The MRN (Movement Reference Number) is the unique 18-character movement reference number that the customs system assigns to every transit declaration accepted in NCTS. It consists of the year, the code of the country where the declaration was lodged, a serial number, a letter for the procedure type and a check digit; it is printed as a barcode on the TAD and allows the declaration to be tracked at every stage.
What parts make up an MRN?
The MRN has the same structure in all countries that are party to the Common Transit Convention. As a result, a declaration opened in Türkiye can be found under the same number at the office of transit in Bulgaria or the office of destination in Germany.
| Character | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Last two digits of the year the declaration was accepted | 26 |
| 3–4 | ISO code of the country where the declaration was lodged | TR |
| 5–16 | 12-character serial generated by the national system | mix of letters and digits |
| 17 | Letter indicating the procedure type; J is used only for transit declarations | J |
| 18 | Check digit | digit |
The check digit catches manual entry errors: an MRN with a single mistyped character returns no result in a query because the check digit does not match.
What is it used for?
- It identifies the transit declaration as a single key in all countries.
- When the office of transit or destination scans the MRN barcode, it sees all the declaration data in the system; it does not depend on the information on paper.
- Arrival notification, control results and closing messages are linked to this number.
- Which operation the guarantee is used in and when it will be released are tracked via the MRN.
Where does the MRN appear?
Its most visible place is the transit accompanying document (TAD) printed after the goods are released. The number appears at the top of the document both in writing and as a barcode. The same number also appears on NCTS screens, in customs office messages and in e-petitions (e-dilekçe) relating to the declaration; in NCTS an e-petition can only be created for declarations that have received an MRN. Carriers usually also note the MRN on the CMR and in the trip record.
What is the difference between an LRN and an MRN?
The LRN (Local Reference Number) is a local number that the company or customs broker preparing the declaration assigns for its own records. Until the declaration is submitted and accepted by customs, it is referred to by the LRN. On acceptance, the system generates the MRN; from then on, all official procedures run on the MRN. Searches on the NCTS screen can be made with either number.
How is an MRN queried?
- NCTS screen: The company or customs broker that lodged the declaration enters the LRN or MRN in the search box of the BİLGE NCTS interface and sees the status of the declaration: submitted, released, arrival notified and so on.
- European Commission MRN Follow-up: A public query screen showing which offices an international transit movement has passed through. The results are for information only and are not binding.
- Customs office: For operations that have not been closed or have fallen into an enquiry procedure, the office of departure is contacted with the MRN.
For tracking the shipment along the route, see the entry how to track a T1 shipment.
Which numbers is the MRN confused with?
- TIR carnet number: The carnet's own serial number; it is not generated in NCTS.
- Guarantee reference number: Identifies a comprehensive or individual guarantee; many MRNs can be linked to the same guarantee. The topic is covered in the transit guarantee entry.
- Registration number of the export or import declaration: A separate declaration; for export cargo it is entered on the transit declaration as a previous document.
- Container or seal number: Belongs to the transport equipment.
Combining several export declarations in a single transit declaration is explained in the entry multiple declarations, one T1 for groupage cargo, and the closing steps in the entry how to close a T1 transit declaration. The transit declaration and its follow-up are part of the transit customs clearance service.