In international trade,the MRN number and HS code are two frequently occurring concepts,but the differences between them often cause confusion.Today,we will analyze them in detail.MRN (Movement Reference Number for Goods Transportation) and HS Code (Harmonized System Code) These two concepts will help you better understand their roles indeclaration.

What is MRN?

MRN (Movement Reference Number) is a unique number generated by the EU customs system,used to identify and track the transportation of import and export declarations or transit goods.

• Definition:TheMRNisauniquenumberautomaticallygeneratedbytheEUcustomssystemafterthedeclarationissubmitted.
• Purpose:
  • TrackDeclarationandGoodsStatus:AftertheMRNisgenerated,boththedeclarantandthecustomscantracktheprogressofthedeclarationandthetransportationstatusofthegoodsthroughit.
  • SimplifyCustomsProcedures:TheMRNhelpssimplifyandacceleratethecustomsprocessingprocedures,improvecustomsclearanceefficiency,andfacilitatethesharingandqueryingofrelevantinformation.

What is HS Code?

HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is an internationally unified commodity classification system formulated by the World Customs Organization (WCO),used to classify and identify goods globally.

• Definition:TheHScodeisaninternationallycommoncommodityclassificationsystem,uniformlyusedbycustomsofvariouscountries.
• Purpose:
  • DetermineTariffsandTaxes:TheHScodeisusedtodeterminetheapplicabletariffratesandotherrelatedfeesforgoods.
  • ComplywithRegulationsandRestrictions:ThroughtheHScode,itcanbeidentifiedwhethercertaingoodsareaffectedbyimportrestrictions,quotas,orspecialregulatorymeasures.
  • TradeStatistics:GovernmentsandtradeinstitutionsofvariouscountriesuseHScodestostatisticallyanalyzeimportandexportdata.

Differences Between MRN and HS Codes

Different Natures:

• MRN:Auniquenumbergeneratedbythecustomssystemfortrackingdeclarationsandgoods.
• HScode:Acommodityclassificationcodeprovidedbythedeclarantaccordingtothecharacteristicsofthegoods.

Different Functions:

• MRN:Usedtotrackandmanagethecustomsdeclarationandgoodstransportationprocess.
• HScode:Usedtodeterminethetariffs,taxes,regulatoryrequirements,etc.ofgoods.

Different Acquisition Methods:

• MRN:Automaticallygeneratedandallocatedbythecustomssystemaftersubmittingthecustomsdeclaration.
• HScode:Determinedbythedeclarantorcustomsbrokeraccordingtotheattributesandcharacteristicsofthegoods,andfilledinthedeclarationforminaccordancewiththeHarmonizedSystem.

Application of MRN and HS Code in Customs Declaration

In the customs declaration process,MRN and HS code each play an important role,as follows:

• DeterminetheHSCodeofGoods:ThedeclarantneedstosearchforandconfirmthecorrectHScodeaccordingtothespecificsituationofthegoods.AnaccurateHScodehelpstocorrectlydeterminetariffsandtaxesandavoidproblemsduringcustomsreview.
• FillintheCustomsDeclarationForm:FillinrelevantinformationsuchastheHScode,quantity,andvalueofthegoodsonthedeclarationform.
• SubmittheCustomsDeclaration:Submitthedeclarationdocumentstothecustomsthroughanelectronicsystem(suchastheEUsATLASsystem).
• ObtaintheMRNnumber:Afterthedeclarationissubmitted,thecustomssystemwillgenerateanMRNasanidentifierfortrackingthedeclarationandthetransportationstatusofthegoods.

Example:

Suppose you want to export a batch of mechanical equipment:

• DeterminetheHSCode:DeterminetheHScodeoftheequipmentaccordingtoitstypeandfunction,forexample,8483.30(plainbearings).
• FillintheDeclarationForm:FillininformationsuchastheHScode,quantity,andvalueofthegoodsonthedeclarationform.
• SubmittheDeclaration:Submitthedeclarationdocumentsthroughanelectronicsystem.
• ObtaintheMRN:ThecustomssystemwillgenerateanMRN,andyoucanusethisnumbertoquerythedeclarationprogressandthetransportationstatusofthegoods.

Summary

MRN number is not HS code,they are two completely different concepts:

• MRNItistheuniquenumbergeneratedbythecustomssystemafterdeclarationfortrackingandmanagingthetransportationofgoods.
• HScodeItisthecodeprovidedbythedeclarantforclassifyinggoodsanddeterminingthetariffrate.

During the customs declaration process,the declarant needs to first provide the correct HS code.After submitting the declaration,the customs system will generate an MRN number for subsequent tracking and management.

Understanding the difference between MRN and HS codes can help import and export enterprises better complete declaration and customs clearance,ensuring the smooth arrival of goods at their destination.Hope this article is helpful to you!