What are NCTS and MRN? Transit Declaration With the growth of international trade and logistics, it is vital that customs procedures are carried out quickly, securely, and transparently. This is where the concepts of NCTS (New Computerized Transit System) and MRN (Movement Reference Number) come into play, forming the basis of transit transportation. These systems, which include the European Union countries and Turkey, enable shipments to proceed smoothly through customs and allow for the secure tracking of cargo.
What is NCTS? Purpose of Use in International Transport
NCTS (New Computerized Transit System) is a system that enables companies engaged in transportation between the European Union and contracting countries to carry out customs procedures electronically. Thanks to this system, the era of paper-based declarations has come to an end, and digitization has increased both speed and security.
Purposes of using NCTS:
- Manage transit operations electronically,
- Purposes of using NCTS:
- Ensuring secure information flow between customs authorities,
- Ensuring the traceability of goods along the route.
This system reduces costs for logistics companies by minimizing delays at border crossings and contributes to making international trade more efficient.
What is MRN? Definition and Key Features
MRN (Movement Reference Number) is an 18-digit reference number created when the transit declaration is recorded in the system and assigned specifically to the shipment. This number can be considered the identification number for the transit process.
Key features of MRN:
- Each declaration has a unique number.
- It ensures the tracking of cargo throughout the transportation process.
- It can be queried by both exporters and customs authorities.
- It is automatically generated in electronic systems.
For example, in a shipment from Germany to Turkey, the system assigns an MRN number as soon as the declaration is processed in NCTS. This number allows the shipment’s movements through customs to be tracked, enabling immediate detection in the event of any issues.
The Relationship Between NCTS and MRN
The concepts of NCTS and MRN are complementary elements. NCTS is the system that manages transit operations in an electronic environment; MRN is the unique identification number generated by this system for each declaration.
This relationship can be summarized as follows:
- An MRN cannot be created without an NCTS.
- MRN is the digital signature of the declaration opened via NCTS.
- Logistics companies and customs officials can easily track the status of cargo using the MRN.
Therefore, in international transport, NCTS and MRN work together to ensure both transparency and security. This protects both carriers and cargo owners against potential risks.
The Role of NCTS in the Transit Declaration Process
A transit declaration is an official document submitted to customs authorities when goods are transported from one country to another. While this document was traditionally prepared on paper, the process has become fully electronic with the introduction of NCTS.
NCTS’s roles in the transit declaration process:
- Declaration Record: The exporter or their representative prepares the transit declaration electronically.
- MRN Generation: When the declaration is recorded in the system, the MRN number is automatically generated.
- Electronic Communication: All customs authorities along the route are notified via NCTS.
- Traceability: The movements of the cargo are tracked via the MRN during transport.
- Speed and Security: Eliminating the need for paper documents prevents fraud and speeds up the process.
For example, when a transit declaration is opened via NCTS for a shipment from Poland to Turkey, all customs offices along the route (e.g., Hungary and Bulgaria) are immediately notified about the cargo. This both facilitates the carrier’s work and prevents time loss at customs.
MRN Number Processing and Tracking
The MRN functions as the cargo’s identification number during the transit process. This number, generated by the system when the declaration is opened, is used by both the carrier and customs authorities at every stage of the process.
The MRN process proceeds as follows:
- Declaration Entry: The logistics company or its representative enters the declaration into NCTS.
- MRN Generation: The system generates a unique MRN number specific to each declaration.
- Tracking: This number allows the shipment to be tracked electronically by all customs authorities.
- Closing: When the declaration is closed at the destination point, the MRN also appears as completed in the system.
This structure eliminates the risk of cargo loss or mix-ups. Furthermore, the exporter, importer, and logistics company can easily track the shipment’s status via the MRN.
Advantages Provided by NCTS in the Transit Process
NCTS offers critical benefits for accelerating and ensuring the reliability of international transport.
Main advantages:
- Digital Transaction: No paper declaration is required; all transactions are conducted electronically.
- Time Savings: Waiting times at customs are reduced.
- Security: The risk of counterfeit documents is minimized.
- International Compatibility: Numerous countries, primarily European Union member states, operate through the same system.
- Transparency: All parties are kept informed throughout the transportation process.
For example, when a shipment from France to Turkey proceeds under the NCTS, all countries along the route receive immediate information about the arrival time and status of the cargo through the system.
Traceability and Security at Customs with MRN
One of the biggest contributions of the MRN number is that it ensures the traceability of cargo at customs. Customs officials or transport companies wishing to obtain information about any shipment can instantly see the status of the shipment using the MRN number.
Bu sistemin güvenlik açısından sağladığı faydalar:
- Loss or misdirection of cargo is prevented.
- The risks of smuggling and irregularities are reduced.
- Coordination between customs authorities is strengthened.
- Any disruptions during transport can be reported immediately.
As a result, the MRN has become not only an administrative number but also a guarantee of secure trade.
Challenges and Solutions in Transit Declaration Processes
As with any system, certain difficulties may arise in the NCTS and MRN processes. The most common problems are as follows:
- Incorrect Declaration Entry: The system will not accept the declaration if incorrect information is entered.
- Technical Issues: Interruptions in the NCTS system may disrupt the process.
- Coordination Issues: There may be a lack of communication between carriers and customs authorities.
- Document Shortages: Incomplete shipping documents prolong the process.
The solutions are as follows:
- Working with professional logistics companies,
- Careful verification of information at system entries,
- Create backup plans against electronic failures,
- Raising employee awareness through continuous training.
Proper planning and expert support minimize the impact of these challenges.
Professional Support with Hazar Logistics for NCTS and MRN Processes
For companies engaged in international transportation, correctly managing NCTS and MRN processes is critical in terms of both cost and time. Hazar Logistics provides its customers with a significant advantage through its expertise in this field.
Supports offered by Hazar Logistics:
- The accurate and prompt preparation of transit declarations,
- Guidance for logistics companies in MRN tracking,
- Coordination support in customs processes,
- Minimizing operational risks.
With its professional team, Hazar Logistics not only provides transportation services but also secures companies’ international trade processes. This allows exporters and importers to focus on growing their businesses while being protected from the risks they may encounter in transportation.
