How to read an MRN
An MRN always has 18 characters, in capitals. Its structure is set by Annex B to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447:
- characters 1 and 2: the last two digits of the year the declaration was accepted
- characters 3 and 4: the code of the country where the declaration was lodged (FR, DE, BE…)
- characters 5 to 16: a unique identifier set by each administration, often including the customs office code
- character 17: a letter for the type of declaration, for example A for an export, J for a transit, R for an import
- character 18: a check digit calculated on the first 17 characters
MRNs issued before the move to the Union Customs Code systems (NCTS phase 5, AES) have no procedure letter: their 17th character can be a digit.
What the tool checks, and what it does not
The check digit follows the algorithm published by the European Commission, the same as for container numbers (ISO 6346): a single mistyped character is always caught, two swapped characters almost always. This check runs in your browser and sends nothing.
A correct check digit proves the number is well formed, not that it exists: only customs, or their online follow-up, can confirm a declaration.
Tracking a transit in the Commission's service
The European Commission publishes an MRN follow-up service for international NCTS transit movements: it traces the messages exchanged between the office of departure, the offices of transit and the office of destination. The tool looks your number up there and, if found, opens the official page of the movement.
The service is updated every night and keeps a movement for 100 days after its last message: a transit lodged today, a national transit or a movement closed long ago is not there. Export and import MRNs are not tracked there: the customs of the country or your declarant know their status.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the MRN of a shipment?
On the accompanying document, top right, with a barcode: the transit accompanying document (TAD) for a transit, the export accompanying document (EAD) for an export. Your forwarder or declarant also finds it in the customs response to the declaration.
Is the check free?
Yes, without signing up. The check digit is verified in your browser. The MRN is sent to the European Commission's follow-up service only if you start the search, and it is not stored in our databases.
Why is my transit not in the follow-up service?
The Commission's service is loaded every night: a transit from today appears tomorrow. It only shows international movements and deletes them 100 days after the last message. If the number still cannot be found, ask the office of departure or your declarant for its status.
What does the letter before the check digit mean?
It is the procedure identifier: A to E for export and exit, J to M for transit, P for proof of the customs status of Union goods, R to W and Z for import, entry and temporary storage. The tool shows the official meaning of the letter found.
Is your file ready?
Check it for free in a few minutes, before you prepare your declaration.