What is a Movement Reference Number ( MRN Number ) on CDS?
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Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
An essential component of international trade, the Movement Reference Number (MRN) acts as a distinct identification for import and export customs declarations. This distinct number simplifies customs declaration processes and guarantees the efficient movement of products across borders. Since the introduction of the MRN number, customs clearance times have reduced considerably. Moreover, businesses involved in global commerce should expect significant savings and enhanced logistical efficiency as a result.
The method of making customs declarations is changing for importers and exporters. With the introduction of Customs Declaration Service (CDS) in place of Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF), you need to use a Movement Reference Number (MRN) when submitting your declarations.
In this blog post, we will walk you through every possible aspect of MRN on CDS.
What is an MRN number?
A movement Reference Number, or MRN, is a customs registration number issued by customs authorities to manage the shipment process and serve as a primary reference number for customs declarations. Every time an import or export declaration is submitted in the UK or EU, a unique number is assigned to it that is referred to as a goods movement reference number.
The import and export declaration MRN number is used for electronic declarations in ATLAS (Automated Tariff and Trade System) or similar systems.
Movement Reference Number (MRN) on CDS
When a declaration is submitted on CDS for the purpose of importing or exporting goods, a customs identification number (MRN) is generated. The customised number produced enables a unique connection between your goods and you. Consequently, MRNs are a critical component of the audit procedure pertaining to your declarations.
Why do I need MRN?
Customs processes may be somewhat complicated when moving products among EU member states. Traders use the Movement Reference Number to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border commodity movement.
The reasons why you need an MRN are as follows:
Smooth and faster customs clearance
Each customs declaration is assigned a unique identity, which is determined by MRN. It streamlines the customs clearance process at the final destination by electronically linking your cargo with the necessary authorities. In doing so, it helps traders save considerable time and resources by not having to undergo customs inspection at each border crossing.
Taxes and duties suspension
An important benefit of the MRN system is the ability to temporarily halt import taxes and tariffs. So long as the items don’t enter the customs territory at their final destination, these taxes can be postponed. For businesses engaged in global commerce, this suspension might be very advantageous to their cash flow.
Improved tracking and management
The MRN system provides better tracking and management of products by making their movement more transparent. By employing the MRN, customs officials may easily monitor the shipment’s whereabouts, which improves their ability to keep control of it during transit and guarantees compliance with rules.
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What is the MRN number used for?
The MRN is used for the following purposes:
- Customs declaration tracking: The MRN number tracking helps businesses and customs authorities track the shipment after the customs declaration has been submitted electronically.
- Archiving and documentation: The businesses involved in international trades can use MRN numbers to archive and document their customs declarations. This helps them quickly provide the required documents in case of any inspections from customs authorities.
- Communication with customs authorities: In the event that doubts or uncertainties emerge concerning a customs declaration, the MRN number functions as a point of reference to guarantee that all parties are communicating about the same procedure.
How Destin8 Connects With MRN Numbers and CDS Declarations
In UK port operations, MRN numbers are frequently used alongside port community systems such as Destin8 to support customs clearance, cargo release, and shipment coordination. Once a customs declaration is successfully submitted through CDS and an MRN number is generated, the reference may be used during port handling and transport verification processes.
Destin8 helps connect shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and hauliers through a shared digital workflow. This improves shipment visibility and reduces delays caused by missing customs references, incorrect declaration data, or disconnected communication between logistics stakeholders.
For businesses involved in multimodal transport operations, the combination of MRN tracking, CDS declarations, and Destin8 workflows helps improve:
- container release coordination
- customs status visibility
- port and terminal communication
- inland transport planning
- shipment tracking across freight movements
As UK customs and logistics systems become increasingly digitised, integrating customs automation with port community systems such as Destin8 can help businesses reduce administrative delays and improve operational efficiency across international trade movements.
Want to understand how UK port systems like Destin8 connect with CDS declarations and impact your filings? Read our complete guide to Destin8 login codes and port community systems.
What are the benefits of MRN in international trade?
- Transparency: The customs MRN number ensures transparent tracking of the shipments, thus facilitating communication between customs authorities, freight forwarders, and businesses.
- Improved efficiency: The MRN number serves as a unique identifier for customs declaration, allowing the goods to be processed and released more quickly.
- Error reduction: A unique MRN number is assigned to each customs declaration, reducing the chances of mixing ups and errors.
Manage your MRNs efficiently and error-free with iCustoms. Start Now!
What characters constitute the MRN number?
As per the UK Govt.,
“The Movement Reference Number (MRN) is an ID consisting of 18 characters, a combination of letters and numbers.”
- Alphanumeric Reference: A 14-character code which is generated in CDS.
- Country code: It is a 2-digit geographical code. For instance, it is shown as “GB” for the United Kingdom.
- Year: It is a 2-digit code; for 2024, it becomes “24”.
How is an MRN number assigned?
CDS issues a unique MRN number for each customs declaration. This number is automatically generated for all the export and import declarations submitted to CDS. The MRN can be viewed in your commercial software as a part of the initial notification response to the declaration submission. In the event that your declaration is denied and upon successful resubmission, a new MRN will be generated.
Importance of the MRN Number in Customs Clearance
- Customs declaration proof: The Movement Reference Number (MRN) confirms that a shipment’s declaration has been successfully submitted.
- Status monitoring: The MRN number enables customs authorities and traders to track the status of their shipments.
- Customs control simplification: The customs inspection is made easier with the MRN number as all the relevant documents and information are readily accessible.
- Essential for customs clearance: A valid export MRN number is required for customs management and clearance; imports cannot be cleared for customs without one.
MRN Number Ireland Customs, What Is It?
An MRN number Ireland customs authorities issue is a unique Movement Reference Number generated when an import, export, or transit declaration is successfully accepted by Revenue through systems such as AIS, AES, or NCTS. The MRN acts as the official customs reference for tracking a shipment throughout the customs clearance process and is required for communication between traders, carriers, customs agents, and border authorities.
In Ireland, every customs declaration submitted through Revenue’s electronic systems receives an MRN once validation is completed successfully. Without a valid MRN, goods may not be cleared, loaded, or released for onward transport.
MRN Number Ireland Customs, What Is It?
An MRN number Ireland customs authorities issue is a unique Movement Reference Number generated when an import, export, or transit declaration is successfully accepted by Revenue through systems such as AIS, AES, or NCTS. The MRN acts as the official customs reference for tracking a shipment throughout the customs clearance process and is required for communication between traders, carriers, customs agents, and border authorities.
In Ireland, every customs declaration submitted through Revenue’s electronic systems receives an MRN once validation is completed successfully. Without a valid MRN, goods may not be cleared, loaded, or released for onward transport.
What Does an MRN Number Look Like in Ireland?
A Movement Reference Number follows a structured format used across EU customs systems. Irish MRNs generally:
- Begin with the year of declaration acceptance
- Include the country code “IE”
- Contain a unique shipment identifier
- Are generated automatically by Revenue systems
Example structure:
| MRN Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 25 | Year the customs declaration was accepted |
| IE | Ireland country code |
| Remaining characters | Unique customs declaration identifier |
The MRN is generated after Revenue validates the declaration data submitted through AIS, AES, or NCTS.
When Is an MRN Number Used in Irish Customs?
An MRN number is used throughout the customs declaration lifecycle in Ireland, including:
- Import declarations through AIS
- Export declarations through AES
- Transit declarations under NCTS
- ICS2 and ENS-linked shipment tracking
- Carrier loading and release checks
- Customs inspections and document requests
- Exit confirmation and clearance monitoring
For exporters, the MRN must often accompany goods at the port or airport exit point. For importers, the MRN allows traders to monitor customs clearance progress and respond to Revenue queries if additional checks are triggered.
How iCustoms Handles MRN Generation and Tracking
iCustoms automatically generates, stores, and tracks MRN numbers across Irish customs workflows, helping importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs agents manage declarations more efficiently.
Key MRN-related capabilities include:
- Automatic MRN retrieval after AIS or AES submission
- Real-time declaration status monitoring
- MRN tracking across import, export, and transit workflows
- Integrated IE507 and IE590 message monitoring
- Centralised audit trail for Revenue compliance
- API connectivity for ERP and logistics system integration
For businesses handling high declaration volumes, automated MRN tracking reduces manual follow-up work and improves shipment visibility across Irish and UK customs movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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