# Approval Number for Customs

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> An approval number for customs is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned by a customs authority to a specific authorization, approved status, or customs procedure.

An approval number for customs is a unique alphanumeric identifier assigned by a customs authority to a specific authorization, approved status, or customs procedure. It allows freight forwarders, shippers, and authorities to trace and reference the clearance or authorization status of a shipment or company at any point in the process. Unlike the MRN (Movement Reference Number), which is tied to a single customs entry, an approval number may be permanently assigned to a company or a recurring arrangement—such as authorization for a customs warehouse, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, or a simplified declaration procedure. The number must appear in the customs declaration and on the relevant transport documents; without it, the shipment cannot be processed under the corresponding customs regime.

**Source:** [https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/customs-approval_en](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/customs-approval_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Approval Number for Customs |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 121 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/customs-procedures/customs-approval_en |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/approval-number-for-customs](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/approval-number-for-customs)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/approval-number-for-customs](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/approval-number-for-customs)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/approval-number-for-customs/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/approval-number-for-customs/llm-summary?lang=en)*