Maersk’s September 30 MRN cutoff: check before loading

For a Maersk shipment from China routed to or through the EU, confirm the customs filing before relying on the loading plan. Maersk’s September 7 advisory introduces a valid Movement Reference Number (MRNMovement Reference NumberThe reference customs assigns when a filing is accepted.For this shipment, ask the carrier or forwarder handling the filing to confirm it.) cutoff from September 30, 2026 for cargo requiring an ICS2Import Control System 2The EU system that receives cargo safety and security information.Carriers and other agreed filers use it; buyers supply accurate shipment details through their shipping contact. Entry Summary Declaration (ENSEntry Summary DeclarationCargo information sent to customs for safety and security checks before arrival.The carrier and, where needed, other agreed filers submit it. Your forwarder should name them.). Ask your forwarder which port and arrival time govern your booking.

The carrier’s timing: the policy applies to vessels reaching the applicable first load port on or after September 30. A valid MRN must be obtained at least 24 hours before vessel arrival at the compliance load port. Missing that cutoff means removal from the load list and possible rollover. Rejected filings must be corrected and accepted.

Read Maersk’s September 7 advisory. The date is tied to load-port arrival, not arrival in Europe.

Existing system, new carrier notice: the European Commission describes ICS2 as advance safety and security screening using ENS data. Maersk already described a No Manifest, No Load policy in its March 2025 operational guidance. September 30 is not the launch of ICS2.

Turn the notice into a booking check

Chaperon’s practical checklist: use these questions to agree a handoff with the shipment parties.

1. Identify the controlling port. Ask the forwarder to write down the applicable load port, vessel arrival, time zone and documentation deadline. For feeder or transshipment routes, ask which leg controls. Do not calculate the cutoff from the final destination.
2. Name each filing owner. The Commission allows single or multiple ENSEntry Summary DeclarationCargo information sent to customs for safety and security checks before arrival.The carrier and, where needed, other agreed filers submit it. Your forwarder should name them. filings depending on the arrangement. Ask who supplies master and house data where required, who files it, and who checks acceptance. A supplier handing over cargo does not answer those questions.
3. Check the data together. Maersk highlights six-digit HSHarmonized SystemThe product classification behind an HS code used in customs paperwork.Give accurate product details to the party preparing the declaration and have them confirm the code. codes, specific goods descriptions, customer type, required EORIEconomic Operators Registration and IdentificationA customs identification number for a business or other operator.The operator obtains it. For partial ENS filing, your forwarder should confirm the next filer's number. information and structured party details. Send the supplier and forwarder one agreed product-and-party record; have the filing professional resolve discrepancies.
4. Agree proof and escalation. Ask what acceptance confirmation you will receive and who corrects a rejection. Leave a correction buffer before the communicated deadline. An email saying documents were sent is not that confirmation.
5. Plan for a missed sailing. Ask who will tell you the revised departure, what storage or rebooking charges could arise, and who bears them under your agreement. Adjust customer delivery promises only after the transport plan is confirmed.

What an MRN does not settle

This is a Maersk implementation notice, not evidence that every carrier has adopted the same September deadline. Its wording does not identify the controlling port for your individual booking; obtain that confirmation directly. Do not extend the notice to every European destination or assume that a non-EU destination removes transit requirements.

An ENSEntry Summary DeclarationCargo information sent to customs for safety and security checks before arrival.The carrier and, where needed, other agreed filers submit it. Your forwarder should name them. supports customs safety and security risk analysis. The Commission also describes referrals and arrival formalities, so an MRNMovement Reference NumberThe reference customs assigns when a filing is accepted.For this shipment, ask the carrier or forwarder handling the filing to confirm it. alone should not be treated as final import clearance or a delivery guarantee. This article does not determine your tariff classification, duties or product eligibility.

Use the landed-cost guide to record freight and delay-cost assumptions separately from the supplier’s goods price.