Customs identification number: What it is and how it works in EU trade

The AREX customs identification number (Advanced Risk Entry eXit) is the code used by Finnish Customs for security information declarations on goods crossing EU external borders. Every Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) submitted to the Customs system generates a unique AREX number, which authorities use to track shipments and conduct risk assessments. Without a valid AREX identification number, goods cannot proceed through the customs clearance process, making timely and accurate declarations essential for any business involved in international trade.

What is this identification number and what is it used for?

The AREX identification number (Advanced Risk Entry eXit) is a unique code generated in the Customs system that relates to security information declarations for incoming and outgoing goods. It is an 18-character code consisting of the declaration type, year, and a sequential number series. The identification number is created when a security information declaration is registered in the Customs system.

The security declaration system is an application used by Finnish Customs to process security information declarations for goods crossing EU external borders. These declarations include the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), presentation notification of arrival, and presentation notification of exit.

The identification number enables authorities to identify and track shipments throughout the entire customs clearance process. It facilitates efficient risk analysis and helps ensure that goods entering and leaving the EU meet security requirements. For businesses, the AREX identification number serves as an important reference for tracking shipments and verifying declaration status at every stage of the process.

How does the identification number relate to the customs clearance process?

The identification number is a central part of the customs clearance process as it connects the Entry Summary Declaration and the presentation notification, creating an unbroken chain of monitoring for the movement of goods. When goods arrive at the EU’s external border, an Entry Summary Declaration has already been submitted in advance, generating an identification number. This same number is used when the goods are presented to customs at the border.

In the import process, security information is first registered in the customs system, followed by a presentation notification when the goods arrive in the EU. Only after this can the actual customs clearance proceed. In the export process, the identification number is linked to exit confirmation when goods leave the EU territory.

Freight forwarding services play a key role in managing these security declaration processes. Kouvola Cargo Handling manages Entry Summary Declarations and AREX-related notifications on behalf of clients, ensuring declarations are submitted within the required timeframes and contain accurate shipment data. This supports a smooth and delay-free customs process for international shipments.

When and how is an identification number obtained?

The identification number is automatically generated when a security information declaration is registered in the Customs security monitoring system. The Entry Summary Declaration must be submitted within predefined timeframes before the goods arrive in the EU. For sea transport, the deadlines vary from 24 hours to 4 hours depending on the duration of transport, while for road transport, the declaration must be submitted at least 1 hour before arrival.

To submit the declaration, information about the sender, recipient, transported products, shipment composition, and means of transport is required. The declaration can be made by the importer, freight forwarder, or transport company that has the necessary permits to use Customs systems.

Many companies outsource the submission of declarations to forwarding companies that handle the process professionally. We offer our customers comprehensive forwarding services, including the preparation and monitoring of security declarations. We help ensure that all declarations are made in a timely and error-free manner, which prevents delays in the customs process.

What problems can occur with the identification number and how are they resolved?

The most common problems related to the security monitoring system include incomplete or incorrect information in declarations, system disruptions, and scheduling challenges. If a declaration contains errors or deficiencies, Customs may request additional clarification or reject the declaration entirely, which delays the movement of goods and can cause additional costs.

Most common AREX declaration errors to avoid

Understanding where declarations most often go wrong helps logistics teams take preventive action before submission. The following errors appear most frequently in practice:

Missing or incorrect HS commodity codes — verify codes against the EU Combined Nomenclature before submission to ensure correct classification.
Incorrect sender or recipient details — cross-check all party information against the commercial invoice and packing list before filing.
Wrong transport mode or means of transport details — confirm the exact transport method and vehicle details with the carrier before the declaration is submitted.
Submission outside the required time window — set internal reminders based on transport mode deadlines (24h/4h for sea, 1h for road) to avoid late filings.
Incomplete shipment composition data — ensure all packages, weights, and dimensions are fully accounted for in the declaration.
Declaration submitted for the wrong border crossing point — confirm the exact EU entry point with the carrier in advance to prevent misdirected declarations.

Kouvola Cargo Handling applies these checks as a standard part of its forwarding service, reducing the risk of declaration errors before they reach Customs.

During system disruptions, Customs typically provides operating instructions that allow declarations to be submitted through backup systems. Scheduling challenges can be prepared for by submitting declarations well in advance and ensuring that all necessary information is available beforehand.

A professional freight forwarder like Kouvola Cargo Handling can prevent security system-related problems with their expertise. However, if problems do arise, we help resolve them quickly. We maintain up-to-date information on Customs requirements and system changes, and ensure that our customers’ customs processes run as smoothly as possible in all situations.

Frequently asked questions about the AREX customs identification number

What does the AREX identification number mean?

AREX stands for Advanced Risk Entry eXit, and it is the customs identification number used by Finnish Customs for security information declarations on goods crossing EU external borders. The number is an 18-character code generated automatically when a security declaration is registered in the Customs system. It serves as the primary reference that authorities use to track shipments and carry out risk assessments throughout the customs clearance process.

Who can submit an Entry Summary Declaration?

The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) can be submitted by the importer, a licensed freight forwarder, or the transport company responsible for bringing goods into the EU, provided they hold the necessary permits to access Customs systems. In practice, many businesses delegate this responsibility to a professional freight forwarder to ensure declarations are accurate and submitted within the required timeframes. The declarant takes on responsibility for the correctness of the information provided.

What is a customs reference number and how does it differ from the AREX number?

A customs reference number is a general term for any identifier assigned by a customs authority to a specific declaration or procedure. The AREX number is the specific identifier generated in the Finnish Customs security monitoring system for ENS declarations and related notifications. It differs from the Movement Reference Number (MRN), which is assigned to customs declarations for import or export procedures, and from the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR), which is a commercial reference used to link trade documents. Each number serves a distinct function within the broader customs clearance chain.

What happens if the security declaration is submitted late or contains errors?

If a security declaration is submitted after the required deadline, Customs may not be able to complete the necessary risk assessment before the goods arrive, which can result in delays at the border. Declarations containing errors or incomplete information may be rejected or trigger a request for additional clarification from Customs. Both outcomes can delay the movement of goods and generate additional handling costs. Submitting accurate and timely declarations is therefore essential to keeping international shipments on schedule.

Can the AREX identification number be amended after submission?

In general, a submitted security declaration can be amended if corrections are needed before the goods arrive at the EU border, subject to the rules and procedures defined by Finnish Customs. Amendments must be submitted through the Customs system and should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for reprocessing. Once goods have arrived and the declaration has been acted upon, amendment options become more limited. A freight forwarder experienced in Customs procedures can advise on the correct amendment process for a specific situation.

What is an importer’s reference number?

An importer’s reference number is an identifier used to link a specific importer to a customs declaration or consignment within the customs system. It may refer to the importer’s EORI number, which is the Economic Operators Registration and Identification number required for businesses trading across EU borders, or to a company-specific reference assigned in the commercial documentation. In the context of AREX declarations, the importer’s details — including any applicable reference numbers — must be accurately stated in the Entry Summary Declaration to ensure correct identification of the receiving party.

Our forwarding services cover the entire customs clearance process from start to finish, which means fewer worries and more certainty for our customers in international transport. Contact Kouvola Cargo Handling to discuss how our customs forwarding services can support your AREX declaration process and keep your international shipments on schedule.