How to check customs clearance status (MRN, CDS, PUESC)

Start with the MRN

Every customs declaration receives an MRN (Movement Reference Number) issued by the official system: CDS in the UK, and in Poland the KAS customs systems (e.g. AIS/IMPORT) accessed through PUESC. The declaration is identified by this number, so ask the customs agent, freight forwarder or haulier who lodged it for the MRN. Without it, it is hard to tell where the clearance stands - a "customs clearance" message in parcel tracking is often simplified and is no substitute for the status of the declaration itself.

Declaration status in the UK (CDS)

In the UK declarations are handled by the Customs Declaration Service. HMRC reports progress through DMS notifications, which go primarily to whoever submitted the declaration; that party passes them on to the declarant where appropriate (HMRC - Receiving notifications). Each declaration should generate at least an acceptance and a clearance notification. The most common messages:

• DMSRCV - declaration registered, DMSACC - declaration accepted, DMSREJ - declaration rejected.
• DMSCLE - declaration cleared, goods can be released; DMSROG - goods can be released, but the debt is not yet finalised.
• DMSDOC - documents required, DMSCTL - physical examination, DMSQRY - query raised (details online).
• DMSINV - declaration cancelled.

If you lodge declarations yourself, you see the status in the customs software you use - which notifications you receive depends on the type of declaration and the software, so check your supplier's documentation if in doubt (GOV.UK - Amend or cancel a CDS import declaration). We cover system changes in Changes to CDS and pre-submission checks in CDS 4.9.0: what to check before submitting an import declaration.

Declaration status in Poland (PUESC)

Customs declarations in Poland are handled through PUESC. The easiest way to get the status is from whoever lodged the declaration (customs agent, freight forwarder) or, if you lodge it yourself, in your PUESC account. For road transport at road border crossings PUESC also offers a free service, Check the border clearance status of a vehicle (in Polish): after logging in and selecting the company context it shows whether a vehicle is at the entry, clearance or cleared stage, or has been turned back. It requires a PUESC account with extended permissions and a company with an EORI number.

Enlarge

What to do if the goods are not released

• Declaration not accepted or rejected - check the error message, correct the data (most often the value, HS code, EORI number or a linked document) and submit again.
• Documents requested or inspection - provide the missing documents (invoice, packing list, consignment note, permits) or make the goods available for inspection; the goods cannot be handed over until release.
• Error in an already accepted declaration - amendment or cancellation depends on the stage and the system; see Amending and invalidating a customs declaration in the EU and the UK.
• Transport on its way to the port - the GMR status in GVMS is checked separately: how to check GMR status in GVMS.

How long to keep clearance documents

In the UK, records for goods declared to HMRC must be kept for 4 years, and VAT records, including commercial and transport documents, for 6 years (GOV.UK - Archiving your trade documents). In the EU customs documentation is, as a rule, kept for at least 3 years (Article 51 of the Union Customs Code), and national rules, for example tax rules, may require longer.

Need help with clearance?

If you do not know where your clearance stands, write to us with the MRN and the route. If you are lodging a declaration for the first time, see the first customs declaration guide for new importers. You will find the basis on which our services are charged in the information on clearance costs. See also the full range of UK customs clearance services.

Frequently asked questions