MRN check: is the EX1 export declaration closed?
Enter the MRN from the export declaration and see whether the customs office of exit has confirmed that the goods left the EU. For the supplier this is the proof needed to zero-rate VAT on the export sale; for the buyer, confirmation that the goods have actually left the European Union.
What an MRN is and where to find it
An MRN (Movement Reference Number) is the 18-character number that EU customs assigns to an export declaration (EX1, EAD) or a transit declaration (T1). The first two digits are the year, followed by the country code and a unique part. The MRN is printed on the export accompanying document (EAD), which travels with the goods to the EU border.
The check queries MRN Follow-up, the European Commission service fed by the national customs authorities. It shows whether exit from the EU has been confirmed, where the movement is now and which MRNs are linked to it — so you can see the status of the goods quickly, without waiting for an answer from your broker.
“Released for export” or “exit confirmed”: what the status means
| Status | What it means | What it gives the exporter |
|---|---|---|
| Released for export | The office of export has released the goods for export, but the office of exit has not yet confirmed that they left the EU. | Exit is not yet confirmed: there is no proof of export yet. |
| Exit confirmed | The goods have passed the customs office of exit, which has confirmed that they left the EU. The EX1 is closed. | Proof of exit for the VAT zero rate on the export sale. |
As long as the status stays “released for export”, the export has not been confirmed — even if the truck or container has already left.
Why an MRN may not be found
The European Commission service only shows international movements — exports leaving the EU and NCTS transit — and keeps them for 100 days after the last message. An older movement, or one that never left the EU, will not appear.
The most common reason, however, is a typo: one wrong character out of eighteen is enough. Compare the number with the EAD. Some countries also have their own national checking services.
If the declaration was not closed
If the goods have left the EU but exit has not been confirmed, the exporter needs alternative proof of exit for its own customs authority: a CMR with a stamp, the carrier’s documents or the customs declaration in the country of destination.
The data of the European Commission service is for information only: it is transmitted by the national customs authorities, and the final confirmation of exit is held in the customs system of the country of export. The check is a quick way to see where the goods stand; it does not replace that confirmation.
Who monitors EX1 closure
When we lodge the export declaration — €150 together with transport through our Rotterdam warehouse, or from €450 remotely — we monitor its closure by MRN ourselves and send the supplier the proof of exit. If a movement gets stuck, we obtain the carrier’s documents and prepare alternative proof of exit.
Related services and tools
Frequently asked questions
What is an MRN?
An MRN (Movement Reference Number) is the 18-character number that EU customs assigns to an export declaration (EX1, EAD) or a transit declaration (T1). The first two digits are the year, followed by the country code and a unique part. The number is shown on the EAD, which accompanies the goods to the EU border.
How can I tell that the EX1 is closed?
When the goods pass the customs office of exit, it confirms their exit from the EU and the movement gets the status “exit confirmed”. From that moment the exporter has proof of exit for the VAT zero rate. If the status remains “released for export”, exit has not yet been confirmed.
Why can’t the MRN be found?
The European Commission service only shows international movements (exports leaving the EU and NCTS transit) and keeps them for 100 days after the last message. Check the number against the EAD: a typo in a single character is a common cause. Some countries also have national checking services.
What if the declaration was not closed?
If the goods have left but exit has not been confirmed, the exporter needs alternative proof of exit for its customs authority: a CMR with a stamp, the carrier’s documents, the customs declaration of the country of destination. When we lodge the EX1, we monitor closure by MRN ourselves and send the supplier the confirmation.
Is this data legally binding?
No. The European Commission service is for information only: the data is transmitted by national customs authorities, and the final confirmation of exit is held in the customs system of the country of export. The check is useful to see the status of the goods quickly without waiting for your broker.
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