Maersk has officially issued a compliance notice: starting from September 30, 2026, it will fully enforce the “No MRN, No Loading” control policy. For all cargo destined for the EU or transiting through EU ports, a valid MRN issued by EU customs must be obtained before loading. If you can’t get one, the cargo can’t get on the ship.

This is not a recommendation — it is a mandatory rule.

1. What Is an MRN?

MRN (Movement Reference Number) is an 18-digit cargo movement reference number generated by EU customs after accepting an ENS entry summary declaration.

In one sentence: without an MRN, it means the customs declaration has not passed, and naturally the cargo cannot be loaded.

2. Which Cargo Is Affected?

It’s not just cargo on direct Europe routes!

• Cargo whose destination is the EU;

• Cargo that calls at EU ports in transit along the way;

All are subject to this.

3. Core Requirements of the New Rules

Before loading, all cargo must successfully complete the ENS entry summary declaration and obtain a valid MRN.

Key point: if cargo still has no valid MRN code within 24 hours before the vessel’s loading port cut-off, it will be directly removed from the loading list, facing mandatory rollover and customs withdrawal risks, with no room for exemption whatsoever.

4. Consequences of Violations Are More Serious Than You Think

1. Routine declaration errors are directly rejected: vague product names, incorrect HS code filing, missing shipper/consignee EORI numbers, incomplete company address information, mismatch between bill of lading and declaration data, etc., will all cause the ENS declaration to be rejected by customs;

2. Customs can directly issue a DNL (Do Not Load) instruction, prohibiting the cargo from being loaded at the port of departure;

3. If declaration violations are discovered after the cargo has arrived at an EU port, the cargo will be forcibly detained by local customs;

4. Administrative fines of up to 5,000 euros per shipment;

5. Companies with multiple violations will be placed on customs’ high-risk supervision list, and the inspection rate for all subsequent Europe-route cargo will increase significantly.

Special note: Customs has banned vague product names such as “accessories,” “general merchandise,” and “electronic products.” Commodity declarations must clearly indicate material, specifications, and use; mixed cargo of multiple categories must be split and declared item by item; HS codes must be filed according to the 6-digit standard to pass system verification.

5. Amazon Sellers Should Also Pay Attention

Starting from September 1, Amazon’s Pan-EU program has explicitly required: for shipments from non-EU sellers to EU overseas warehouses, a valid MRN code must be matched simultaneously. Shipments that have not completed compliant declarations will be restricted from creating new FBA shipping permissions.

6. Three Reminders for Cargo Owners

• Check declaration materials immediately

: Product details, standard HS codes, EORI qualifications, shipper/consignee information, and bill of lading data must all remain consistent;

• Submit documents in advance

: Please submit materials in advance according to our cut-off and supplementary materials deadline, reserving a window for revisions after declaration rejection;

• Check the receipt after declaration

: After the declaration is completed, be sure to check the customs receipt status and confirm that a valid MRN has been obtained, to eliminate invalid declarations.

As the fourth-quarter peak shipping season for Europe approaches, space is tight and inspections are strict. Declare early, get the number early.

September 30 is only the beginning. Ocean shipping is saying goodbye to the era of loose declarations; data errors directly correspond to rollovers, cargo detention, and fines.