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What Is a Movement Reference Number (MRN)?
A Movement Reference Number (MRN) is a unique reference assigned by a customs system to identify a customs declaration or transit movement.
It connects a consignment to its customs record and is used throughout the customs process by businesses, customs authorities, customs representatives, carriers and border systems. An MRN may be associated with an import declaration, export declaration, transit declaration or safety and security declaration.
For businesses trading between Ireland, the UK, France and other international markets, the MRN is one of the key references that must be correctly managed before goods move.
How Does a Movement Reference Number Work?
Once a customs declaration has been lodged and registered by the relevant customs system, an MRN is generated for that declaration.
The reference is then used to identify the customs record linked to the goods. It may be required when submitting port or border information, sharing documentation with a haulier, checking a declaration’s status or responding to a customs query.
An MRN is linked to a specific declaration, rather than simply to a commercial shipment. This means that one consignment may have more than one customs reference where several declarations or formalities apply.
For example, goods may require an Entry Summary Declaration before arrival, an import declaration for customs clearance and a transit declaration if they are moving onwards under a transit procedure.
When Is a Movement Reference Number Issued?
A Movement Reference Number is issued as part of the customs declaration process. The point at which it is generated depends on the declaration type and the customs system being used.
MRNs are commonly issued for:
- Import declarations
- Export declarations
- Transit declarations, including T1 and T2 movements
- Entry Summary Declarations where safety and security information is required
- Other declarations connected with customs-controlled goods movements
For transit, the MRN identifies the movement in the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS). It travels with the goods from the office of departure to the office of destination and is included on the relevant transit documentation.
The MRN confirms that the declaration has been registered in the customs system. Customs messages and instructions must still be followed before goods are released, loaded, moved or collected.
Which Customs Procedures Use a Movement Reference Number?
The customs procedure determines which declaration is required and which MRN must be used.
For an import, the MRN relates to the declaration made for goods entering the relevant customs territory. For exports, it relates to the declaration made before goods leave. For transit, it identifies goods moving under customs control between two customs offices.
Transit is particularly relevant when goods are travelling through the UK between Ireland and mainland Europe, moving through multiple customs territories, or travelling to their final customs destination after arriving at a port.
Where a transit procedure is used, the transit MRN must match the goods, route and supporting documents. It should be available to the person responsible for the movement throughout the journey.
Where Can You Find a Movement Reference Number?
The MRN is normally provided on the declaration confirmation, customs response message or accompanying document produced after the declaration has been submitted.
Depending on the procedure, you may find it on:
- An import or export declaration confirmation
- A Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)
- A customs status or acceptance message
- Documentation shared by your customs representative
- A port, pre-boarding or border movement record
The MRN should be retained with the full customs file for the shipment. This normally includes the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, commodity code information, proof of origin where relevant, licences and any procedure-specific documents.
Keeping the reference accessible helps your team, carrier and customs representative deal quickly with any border query or document request.
What Is the Difference Between an MRN and a GMR?
An MRN identifies a specific customs declaration or transit movement. A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) is created through the UK’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) and brings together the customs references required for one vehicle, trailer or unaccompanied movement.
The references included in a GMR depend on the customs procedure being used. This may include an import declaration MRN, a transit MRN or other required declaration details.
For goods moving under Common Transit, the transit movement must be released to transit before the relevant transit MRN can be used in the GMR. Using an import reference where a transit reference is required can prevent the movement from progressing correctly at the border.
For Irish RoRo movements, MRNs may also need to be included in a Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN), depending on the route and customs procedure.
What Should You Check Before Goods Move?
Before a shipment is dispatched, confirm that the customs references match the goods and the intended route.
Check that:
- The correct customs procedure has been selected
- The declaration details match the commercial documents
- The MRN relates to the correct consignment
- The carrier or haulier has the references required for the movement
- Any GMR or PBN has been completed where applicable
- Customs instructions, clearance messages or transit release requirements have been received before the goods move
Accurate customs data and timely communication between the importer, exporter, customs representative, freight provider and driver are essential to keep goods moving as planned.
How Can Customs Complete Support Your Customs Declarations?
At Customs Complete, we manage import, export and transit declarations for businesses trading across Ireland, the UK, France and international markets.
We ensure the correct customs documentation and movement references are in place before goods move.
Contact our team to discuss your customs clearance or transit requirements.
