MRN (Movement Reference Number) is part of the EU electronic customs system, used to track and monitor the movement of goods within the customs territory. When a customs declaration is submitted and accepted, an MRN is assigned to this declaration.

The MRN is a unique identifier consisting of two parts: one part is the country code (indicating the country where the customs declaration was first submitted), and the other part is a 12-digit number. For example, if the customs declaration was initially submitted in Germany, the MRN might look like this: "DE/123456789012".

This identifier is unique across the EU and is used throughout the entire cargo movement process, including import, export, and transit. With this number, customs authorities and traders can track the status of goods during transit.

This is a European system, and if your services involve exports to Europe, you may frequently encounter this concept.

1.Uniqueness:The MRN is a globally unique identification number. Each new customs activity is assigned a new MRN to prevent confusion and ensure accurate tracking and recording of everyimport and exportactivity.

2.Cross-border validity:Once an MRN is issued in one EU member state, it remains valid across all EU customs territories. This enables efficient tracking and monitoring of goods throughout the EU.

3.Process simplification:The use of MRN streamlines customs procedures, making import/export activities more efficient. With the MRN, customs and traders can precisely track cargo location and status.

4.Transparency and traceability:The MRN enhances transparency in cargo movements and enables easy traceability, which is crucial for preventing fraud and illegal activities.