MRN — Movement Reference Number

Unique reference of an EU customs declaration in export, transit or import systems. Required for tracking and proof of exit.

The document is typically sent alongside the commercial invoice, packing list and, where relevant, origin / preference documents. For cross-border traffic, customs and security authorities require prior electronic data transmission (e.g. ICS2).

Common required fields are shipper, consignee, goods description, value, Incoterm, HS code and country of origin. In document-based payment (L/C), formal discrepancies are the most frequent reason for refusal.

Issuer: Customs system (ATLAS / AES / NCTS). Most documents are produced electronically in practice (EDI, eAWB, eB/L pilots such as BIMCO and DCSA). For high-value shipments the original still matters, particularly in banking-channel transactions.