The MRN is an 18-character ID, made up of both numbers and letters. The 18-character MRN contains the following elements: Year – current year is noted as two digits, so 2023 becomes ‘23’ Country code – your two-digit geographical code. For United Kingdom, this is shown as ‘GB’ 14 character alphanumeric reference, which is randomly generated in CDS.

What is a Movement Reference Number (MRN)?

The Movement Reference Number (MRN) is a customs identification number that’s created each time a declaration is submitted for importing or exporting goods. The number generated is bespoke, allowing your goods to be uniquely linked to you.

Find out how we can help.

Import and export with ease

We know moving your goods to and from the EU can often be a challenge. It’s the added cost, the extra paperwork, and the uncertainty about where your goods are in the customs process at any given time. We get it. That’s why we built CustomsClear.

Smart software. Big benefits.

Reduce costs

Reduce the cost of importing and exporting by removing the need for a third party to get goods cleared to and from the UK and choose from straightforward pricing plans with no set-up costs or hidden fees.

Simplify processes

No customs knowledge necessary, CustomsClear helps you easily submit import and export declarations online with the help of quick tips and our help desk available.

Avoid delays

Real-time feedback from HMRC and visibility into your declaration status allows you to action requests quickly to keep goods moving.

Don't miss out on free CustomsClear

Get unlimited access to CustomsClear for 30 days. Try out the software and submit customs declarations directly to HMRC, with no customs expertise required and no set-up costs or hidden fees.

Proudly supporting UK businesses alongside:

Small businesses are trading with the world through powerful marketplaces and platforms that reach customers across the globe, yet businesses need support when it comes to the logistics of getting wares into the hands of these customers. This is why we support the adoption of tools like CustomsClear that help busy founders build a strong and successful international business.

We’ve worked closely with our members over the past year and understand the challenges with customs declarations now being experienced by UK importers and exporters trading with the EU. CustomsClear would be of great assistance to companies, offering them the chance to administer these complex declarations processes themselves through a simple online platform.

Explore the declaration checklist

Before you submit import and export declarations, there are a few things you should know. That’s why we’ve put together the CustomsClear declaration checklist of basics to help you get started.

Is CustomsClear for you?

CustomsClear is for UK businesses looking for a simpler, alternative way to create import and export declarations to trade with EU businesses*

CustomsClear is for you if you're:

Importing or exporting goods between businesses in the EU using standard (full) declarations

Moving your goods via road transport through RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ports operating the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS)

Importing your goods through ports using the pre-lodgement model, meaning that goods arriving need to have a submitted customs declaration in advance of boarding on the EU side.

Intending to release your goods to free circulation

GVMS ports we serve

List of ports using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs give a general summary of the key considerations for businesses trading with the EU. They are not specific to any one type of goods or business scenario and this information is no substitute for professional advice.

What is a Movement Reference Number (MRN) and how do I get one?

The MRN is a unique customs declaration reference number that is created each time an import or export declaration is submitted. As such, it forms an important part of the audit process for your declarations. The MRN on Customs Declaration Service (CDS) performs the same function, and is equivalent to the CHIEF entry key (which consist of the entry number, Entry Processing Unit number (EPU), and date).
A MRN is automatically generated for all import and export declarations submitted to CDS. The MRN is included in the initial notification response to the declaration submission. It is also available to view in CustomsClear.

MRN example

The MRN is an 18-character ID, made up of both numbers and letters. The 18-character MRN contains the following elements:

Year – current year is noted as two digits, so 2023 becomes ‘23’
Country code – your two-digit geographical code. For United Kingdom, this is shown as ‘GB’
14 character alphanumeric reference, which is randomly generated in CDS.

This publication has been written in general terms and we recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from action on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte LLP accepts no liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.

What is a Movement Reference Number (MRN)?

Import and export with ease