Frequently Asked Questions

MRN (Movement Reference Number) is an 18-character reference assigned by the AES/ECS system when registering an export declaration. An MRN remains unclosed most often when the customs office of exit (port) has not received electronic confirmation of export from the port system - even though the goods have physically left the EU. Common causes include errors in container data, missing registration in the port system, or delays in data transmission between the carrier and the port system.

Average processing time is 32 minutes. We guarantee to begin processing within a maximum of 2 hours from receiving a complete filing. Processing time may be longer for cases requiring contact with the customs office of exit, or when data in the port system needs correction by the carrier. We process filings 7 days a week.

An unclosed MRN means no confirmation of actual export. Consequences: inability to apply the 0% VAT rate - you must charge domestic VAT (e.g., 23% in Poland or 19% in Germany); risk of disputes with tax authorities during audits; difficulties in settlements with foreign counterparties. Under EU customs regulations, the exporter must possess the export confirmation (Ausgangsvermerk in Germany, confirmation of exit in the Netherlands, CC599C in Poland) or another customs document confirming export.

The standard validity period for an export declaration (MRN) is 150 days from the date the declaration was accepted (pursuant to Article 248 of Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013 - Union Customs Code). After this period, the export procedure is automatically closed by the system, but the export confirmation may not be generated. In such cases, contact with the customs office of exit is necessary to obtain alternative proof of export.

Typically 2-8 hours from the moment of container gate-in, depending on the port and system. Hamburg: 2-4 hours, Rotterdam: 2-4 hours, Antwerp: 4-8 hours.

The MRN is closed by the customs office of exit after confirming that the goods have left the EU. We submit this information to the port system, which communicates with the customs office.

Diversion extends the MRN closure process because it requires an IE507 message and redirection to a new customs office of exit. We handle diversions - contact us for assistance.

We specialize in maritime export through European seaports. Road and rail exports require a different export confirmation procedure - in such cases, we recommend contacting a customs agency that handles the relevant border crossing.

The export confirmation is an electronic message generated by the customs office of exit after goods have physically crossed the EU customs border. It is the primary document recognized by tax authorities as proof of export, entitling the exporter to apply the 0% VAT rate. Without it, the exporter must charge domestic VAT on the export value. Local names: Ausgangsvermerk (Germany, ATLAS), confirmation of exit (Netherlands, Belgium), CC599C (Poland, AES PLUS).

We aim to minimize your involvement in the process. All you need to send us is the booking confirmation and the MRN. For dangerous goods, an additional IMO/DG document is required. Everything else is on our side - we extract the necessary data and handle the entire procedure.

Yes. The MRN is valid for 150 days from the date the export declaration was accepted. After this period, closure is more difficult but not impossible.

CC599C is the Polish name for the export confirmation message generated by the AES PLUS system in PUESC (deployed 31 October 2024). It is the local form of the export confirmation used in Poland; other EU member states use their own message names (e.g., Ausgangsvermerk in Germany, confirmation of exit in the Netherlands). All have the same legal effect under their national VAT law and serve as proof of export.

We handle MRN closure and export confirmation across all major Western European port systems covering Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven. We are expanding coverage to French ports (Le Havre, Calais) soon.

No. We have our own accounts in all port systems. You do not need to register or have any knowledge of these systems.

Different countries use different port systems. German ports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven), Dutch ports (Rotterdam, Amsterdam), and Belgian ports (Antwerp, Zeebrugge) each use their own platform. We handle all of them.

We quote individually - it depends on the port, volume, and cargo type. Estimate the cost in the calculator on our pricing page, and we'll prepare a binding quote after you get in touch. The more containers you file per month, the lower the per-unit rate.

Yes - every case is different and we approach them individually. If you have an unusual situation, expired MRN, or a specific case requiring a non-standard approach, contact us. We will assess the situation, advise on the best course of action, and help find a solution.

We specialize exclusively in MRN closures and export confirmations through European port systems. Our service is complementary to customs agencies - we handle cases both for direct exporters and for customs agencies who outsource port system operations to us.

No. The price per filing covers: port system registration, status monitoring, closure notification, and the export confirmation document. No setup fees, no platform fees.

Yes, we issue a VAT invoice for every service. The invoice is available in the client dashboard and sent by email.

We accept bank transfer. The invoice is issued after the filing is completed with a 14-day payment term.

You can delete your account in the client dashboard settings or by contacting us. Personal data will be anonymized in accordance with GDPR.

The client dashboard provides an option to export personal data in JSON format, in accordance with GDPR Article 20.