Movement Reference Number (MRN) guide
- Arne Mielken
- Jan 14, 2024
- 5 min read
This unique identifier is essential for all customs declarations lodged in the EU or UK. We have updated it following the entry into operation of the CDS for export change in April 2024.
Latest Update
Exporters in the UK will not be permitted to submit statements on behalf of other businesses or on their own behalf after 2024. HMRC is gradually introducing Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which is the long-term replacement for the current Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system. Already, all import declarations must include CDS. As of March 30, 2024, export declarations have to be filed via CDS. The information they need to submit your declarations will be altered by CDS; Movement Reference Numbers will take the place of CHIEF entry numbers.
What is a Movement Reference Number (MRN)?
The MRN is a customs identification number created each time a declaration is submitted for importing or exporting goods. The number generated is bespoke, allowing your goods to be uniquely linked to you. As such, it forms an important part of the audit process for your declarations.
What is a Movement Reference Number (MRN) on the UK' CDS?
On CDS the MRN is a customs identification number that’s created each time a declaration is submitted for importing or exporting goods. The number generated is bespoke, allowing your goods to be uniquely linked to you. As such, MRNs form an important part of the audit process for your declarations.
What is an MRN like?
The MRN consists of the entry number, Entry Processing Unit number (EPU), and date].
How does a MRN differ from the entry key on CHIEF in the UK?
The MRN on CDS performs the same function, and is equivalent to, the CHIEF entry key that consists of the Entry Processing Unit number (EPU), entry number, and date.
How is the MRN assigned?
For every declaration processed, the customs system of the country in question will issue a unique MRN. This is automatically generated for all import and export declarations, including pre-lodged declarations submitted to the customs clearance system. The MRN is included in our initial notification response to the declaration submission and will be available to view in your commercial software. Should your declaration be rejected, a new MRN will be created when the declaration is successfully resubmitted.
What characters make up the MRN number?
The MRN is an 18 character ID, made up of both numbers and letters.
The 18 character MRN contains the following elements:
Year – the current year is noted as two digits, so 202 becomes ‘22’
Country code – your two-digit geographical code. For the United Kingdom, for example, this is shown as ‘GB’
14 character alphanumeric reference, which is randomly generated in the customs system.
Year: Two digits
Country Code: Two digits
Automatically generated alphanumeric reference: 14 characters
Example: 22FR JD4DCMAM33DOI2
An MRN is unique. No two shipments can have the same MRN.
UK: When should a CDS generated MRN not be used?
When submitting an export declaration through CDS for goods moving through a GVMS location, you should follow the ‘Create a good movement reference’ (GMR) guidance on GOV.UK to make sure you are using the correct declaration references.
When submitting an export declaration through CDS for goods moving through an inventory linked maritime location, you must not use the CDS MRN as a reference for export arrival movements. Instead, you must use a Declaration Unique Consignment Reference (DUCR)
EU: Export MRN EU Database
The EUROPA webserver provides the data as received from the different IT environments of the different countries. The data provided is for information only and is binding neither for the Commission nor for the National Administrations concerned. For specific enquiries and information regarding the contents, please contact the Customs Administration of the appropriate country.[SYS]
MRN Information is available only for international ECS movements that were completed after:
Questions and Assistance
The many customs-related processes and procedures can get complicated, if you have any questions, please reach out in the chat.
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