Today, lets talk about a number that is crucial to the European Unionimport and export—MRN (Movement Reference Number). The MRN is a unique number used in the customs system of the European Union (EU) to identify and track the transportation of goods within or via the EU. In Germany, the MRN is widely used for customs declarations and tracking of imported, exported, and transit goods. Next, we will deeply uncover the role, structure, application scenarios of the MRN, and its importance in customs clearance.

Role of MRN

• Unique identification: Each MRN is unique and can accurately identify a specific goods declaration or transportation. No matter which link the goods are in, the MRN is the unique identity card.
• Tracking goods: The MRN enables customs and relevant parties totrack the transportation status and location of goods in real time, ensuring that goods are transported within the scope of legality and compliance.
• Simplifying the customs clearance process: By using the MRN, customs procedures are electronicized and standardized, thusimproving the efficiency of customs clearanceand reducing the cumbersome handling of paper documents.

Structure of MRN

MRN is a18 - digit alphanumeric code, usually consisting of the following parts:

• Year: The first two digits represent the year, for example, 21 represents 2021.
• Country code: The next two letters are the country code, for example, DE represents Germany.
• Customs office code and serial number: The middle part is a unique serial number generated by the customs system to identify a specific declaration.
• Check digit: The last digit is the check digit, used to verify the integrity of the MRN.

Example: 21DE12345678901234

• 21: Represents the year (2021)
• DE: Country code (Germany)
• 1234567890123: Unique serial number generated by the customs system
• 4: Check digit

Application scenarios of the MRN

A. Export declaration
Exported goods: When exporting goods from Germany, the exporter or its agent needs to submit an export declaration to the customs. The customs system will generate an MRN to identify and track this export declaration. This helps the customs manage the flow of exported goods more effectively.

B. Import declaration
Imported goods: For goods imported into Germany, after the importer or its agent submits an import declaration, an MRN will be obtained to track the customs clearance status of the goods. This is an effective means for importers to monitor whether the goods have passed through customs.

C. Transit transportation
Common Transit Procedure: Between the EU and countries with transit agreements, the MRN is used to track transit goods, ensuring that goods are transported according to the declared route and destination, and preventing illegal operations during the journey.

D. Safety and security declaration
Entry/Exit Summary Declaration (ENS/EXS): Declarations for safety and security purposes will also generate an MRN, enabling the customs to conduct risk analysis and control to ensure that there are no safety hazards during the transportation of goods.

Obtaining and using the MRN

• Generated after declaration submission: When a declaration is submitted through the electronic customs system (such as the ATLAS system), the customs will automatically generate an MRN.
• Documents and Certificates: The MRN is usually displayed on official documents such as declaration confirmation documents and cargo release notices, serving as an official declaration voucher.
• Tracking Inquiry: Relevant parties can use the MRN to query the cargo status on the customs portal or the designated tracking system to keep track of the customs clearance progress of the goods at any time.

Relationship between the MRN and customs documents

• Electronic Declaration Documents: The MRN is an important identifier of electronic declaration documents and is used to associate declaration data with the actual goods. This means that once there are changes in the declaration data, the MRN will also reflect these changes.
• transportation documents: During the transportation process, the MRN may need to be provided to the transportation company, port or other relevant parties to smoothly complete the cargo handover and transportation.
• Release Certificate: After the goods have passed customs clearance, the MRN will also be displayed on the release document as proof that the goods have completed customs formalities. This plays a confirmatory role in the subsequent logistics links.

Importance and precautions

• Accurate Record: Ensuring the accuracy of the MRN is crucial for the smooth customs clearance and transportation of goods. If the MRN is incorrect, it may lead to customs clearance delays or even fines.
• Confidentiality: The MRN involves sensitive commercial and logistics information and should be properly stored to prevent unauthorized access and protect the companys trade secrets.
• Communication with Customs: If problems are encountered during the customs clearance process, by providing the MRN, it is convenient for the customs to quickly find the relevant declaration information and assist in solving the problems.

Related systems and platforms

• ATLAS system: This is the electronic customs clearance system of the German customs, which is used to submit import and export declarations, transit formalities, etc. Through the ATLAS system, declarants can obtain the MRN and conduct full - process tracking.
• New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) of the European Union: An electronic system for transit transportation. Transit declarations submitted through this system will also generate an MRN to ensure the safety and transparency of cross - border goods within the EU.

Summary

MRN It is a key number used to identify and track the transportation of goods in the German and the entire EU customs systems. It plays an important role in many links such as import and export declarations, transit transportation, and safety declarations. Understanding the meaning and usage of the MRN helps enterprises and logistics - related parties to carry out international trade activities efficiently, ensuring the smooth customs clearance and transportation of goods. It is hoped that this guide can help you better understand the importance and application of the MRN and make your international trade smoother! If you have any questions or need professional support during the actual operation, you are welcome to contact ourZhongShen International Tradeexpert team at any time. Lets work together to help you move forward steadily in the German market and achieve greater success!