Mandatory indication of the MRN number for international courier services

The MRN (Master Reference Number) is a registration number assigned by the customs authority as part of the mandatory export declaration. This 18-digit number is a unique reference for all countries participating in the electronic export procedure or common transit procedure. Customs documents can be checked and processed with this number.

An export declaration is mandatory if

• the destination is outside the EU
• and the value of the goods exceeds €1,000 and/or the weight exceeds 1,000 kg.

What will change for senders?

Previously, it was sufficient to provide the courier service with the recipient's details, dimensions and the weight of the consignment. The invoice was usually printed out and enclosed with the shipment. However, international courier services now require that the MRN is also transmitted electronically. All customs declaration processes can be tracked via the MRN. If the MRN is not transmitted digitally to the courier services, penalties will be incurred.

Example
An online store sells goods worth over 1,000 euros to Switzerland. In addition to the recipient data, dimensions and weight of the shipment, the store operator must now also transmit the MRN to the parcel service.

How does CCS-Express help its customers?

The CCS-Express interfaces are already able to transmit the MRN electronically. This simplifies the export declaration process for CCS customers, speeds up shipping to the end customer and avoids unnecessary additional charges.