BHT Number (BHT-Referenznummer) — Export Registration in Bremerhaven
A BHT Number (BHT-Referenznummer) is a unique registration number assigned by the Bremerhaven and Bremen port IT system for export container handling. Without this number, the port terminal will not accept your container for loading, and your MRN will remain open — meaning no CC599C / IE599 confirmation and no possibility of applying the 0% VAT rate. In this article, we explain exactly what a BHT Number is, how to obtain one, and how the entire MRN closure process works in Bremerhaven step by step.
What is a BHT Number?
BHT Number (full name: BHT-Referenznummer) is a unique identifier assigned by the BHT — Bremer Hafentelematik (Bremen Harbour Telematics) system, operated by dbh Logistics IT AG — at the moment a container or cargo is registered for export at one of the port terminals in Bremerhaven, Bremen, or Cuxhaven. The BHT system serves as the central communication platform between all participants in the export process at these ports: customs agencies, freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping lines, and the German customs administration.
In practice, the BHT Number functions as an electronic "key" that links the export declaration data (the MRN from the AES/ATLAS customs system) with the physical container handling at the port terminal. When an export is registered in the BHT system, the MRN, container, booking, and vessel data are linked together. The system assigns a BHT-Referenznummer, and from that point the terminal knows which container is to be loaded onto which vessel — and that a specific customs declaration applies to it.
The BHT Number is the equivalent of the Z-Nummer (ZAPP) in Hamburg and the WHT-Nummer in Wilhelmshaven. Each major container port in Germany has its own IT system for export handling — Hamburg uses DAKOSY/ZAPP, Bremerhaven uses BHT, and Wilhelmshaven uses WHT. All these systems serve the same fundamental purpose: enabling MRN closure by linking customs data with the physical loading of goods.
It is worth noting that the BHT Number is required not only for standard full-container loads (FCL) but also for LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, breakbulk cargo, and ro-ro goods exported through terminals in Bremerhaven and Bremen. Without a valid BHT registration, the port terminal will not allow a container into the loading zone, effectively blocking the entire export process.
When Do You Need a BHT Number?
A BHT Number is required in every situation where goods leave the European Union through one of the port terminals in Bremerhaven or Bremen. The most common scenarios requiring a BHT-Referenznummer include:
- FCL container export via Bremerhaven — this applies to containers handled by Eurogate Bremerhaven, NTB (North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven), and BLG terminals. This is the most common use case for the BHT Number — every export container must be registered in the BHT system before delivery to the terminal.
- Ro-ro and breakbulk export via Bremen/Bremerhaven — vehicles, machinery, oversized cargo, and bulk goods exported through dedicated ro-ro and breakbulk terminals also require BHT registration.
- Port agent or shipping line requirement — in many cases, the port agent, freight forwarder, or shipping line informs the exporter about the need to provide a BHT-Referenznummer. Without this number, the booking cannot be linked to the customs clearance, and the container will not be loaded onto the vessel.
Keep in mind that the BHT Number should be obtained before the physical delivery of the container to the terminal — ideally 24–48 hours before the planned gate-in. Last-minute registration can lead to delays, especially during periods of increased port traffic (e.g., before holidays, at quarter-end).
BHT Number and MRN Closure — How It Works
The MRN closure process at the Port of Bremerhaven using the BHT system follows a strictly defined sequence. Understanding this process is essential because it helps identify where delays or errors may occur that prevent you from obtaining your export confirmation.
The sequence of events is as follows: the exporter or customs agency submits an export declaration in the AES system (in Poland via PUESC) → the customs system assigns an MRN and forwards the declaration to the German ATLAS system → a port agent or freight forwarder registers the container in the BHT system, linking the MRN with container and booking data → BHT assigns a BHT-Referenznummer and transmits the data to the terminal → the container is delivered to the terminal and loaded onto the vessel → the terminal confirms physical loading in the BHT system → BHT transmits the confirmation to the ATLAS customs system → the MRN is closed → ATLAS generates the CC599C message (formerly IE599) and sends it to the customs office of export.
The key difference between the customs system (AES/ATLAS) and the port system (BHT) is that the customs system does not know whether the container has physically left the EU — it needs confirmation from the port terminal. This is precisely the role of BHT: it is the "bridge" between the customs world and the world of port logistics. The BHT system collects information from terminal operators about which containers have actually been loaded onto a vessel and transmits this data to the ATLAS customs system. Without this communication, the MRN remains open because the customs office has no basis for confirming that the goods have actually left EU territory.
How BHT Registration Works
Obtaining a BHT-Referenznummer and closing your MRN at the Port of Bremerhaven follows a defined process. Below is an overview of the key stages — from data preparation to the generation of the CC599C message.
Data preparation
The registration process begins with gathering export data — the MRN, shipping line booking reference, container number, vessel information, and cargo details. All data must be consistent between the customs declaration and the booking confirmation — discrepancies are the most common cause of problems in Bremerhaven.
BHT registration by a specialist
BHT registration requires a registered dbh account and knowledge of Bremerhaven port procedures. The export data is entered into the BHT system by an authorized agent who manages the process end-to-end.
Automated validation
Once the export registration (Ausfuhranmeldung) is submitted, the BHT system automatically validates the data against ATLAS. If the MRN is not registered or the container data does not match the booking, the system raises a validation error and the registration cannot proceed until the data is corrected.
BHT-Referenznummer assignment
After successful data validation, the BHT system automatically assigns a unique BHT-Referenznummer. This number confirms the export registration in the port system. The BHT Number is tied to a specific combination of MRN + container + booking and cannot be reused.
Data forwarded to the port terminal
The registration data is automatically transmitted to the appropriate port terminal based on the booking. The terminal then knows that the container is customs-registered and can be accepted into the loading zone. The container is delivered to the terminal (gate-in) and awaits loading according to the vessel schedule.
Loading → Confirmation → MRN Closure → CC599C
After the container is physically loaded onto the vessel, the terminal confirms this in the BHT system. BHT transmits the loading confirmation to the ATLAS customs system, which initiates MRN closure. After MRN closure, ATLAS automatically generates the CC599C message (formerly IE599) and sends it to the customs office of export. The customs office of export forwards the CC599C to the exporter or customs agency — in Poland via the PUESC system.
Terminals Served by BHT System (Eurogate, NTB, BLG)
The BHT system covers all major port terminals in Bremerhaven and Bremen. Below we present the most important terminals along with their specialization and role in export handling.
Eurogate Container Terminal Bremerhaven
Eurogate Bremerhaven is one of Europe's largest container terminals and the main export terminal in the Port of Bremerhaven. The terminal handles approximately 4.9 million TEU (2025 data) (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, offering deep-water berths capable of accommodating the world's largest ULCV (Ultra Large Container Vessel) class containerships. Eurogate Bremerhaven is served by most major shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen. Export registration in the BHT system is mandatory for every export container handled by this terminal.
NTB — North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven
NTB (North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven) is a container terminal jointly operated by Eurogate and APM Terminals (Maersk). The terminal is one of the key transhipment hubs in the North Sea region. NTB features modern berths and storage facilities, and all export operations require BHT system registration. The terminal is fully integrated with the BHT system, ensuring rapid information exchange between the terminal and the customs system.
BLG LOGISTICS GROUP — Bremen Terminal
BLG LOGISTICS GROUP is a terminal operator in the Port of Bremen, specializing in ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) cargo, vehicles, machinery, and breakbulk goods. BLG handles the export of cars, trucks, construction and agricultural equipment — Bremen is one of Europe's largest vehicle handling ports. Although BLG does not specialize in containers, BHT system registration is also required for ro-ro and breakbulk cargo exported through Bremerhaven and Bremen port terminals.
BHT Number vs Z-Nummer (ZAPP) — Key Differences
German seaports use different IT systems for export handling. The table below compares three main systems — BHT (Bremerhaven/Bremen), DAKOSY/ZAPP (Hamburg), and WHT (Wilhelmshaven) — to help you understand the differences and similarities.
| Feature | BHT Number | Z-Nummer (ZAPP) | WHT Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port | Bremerhaven / Bremen | Hamburg | Wilhelmshaven |
| Port System | BHT | DAKOSY / ZAPP | WHT |
| Operator | dbh Logistics IT AG | DAKOSY AG | dbh Logistics IT AG / JadeWeserPort |
| Key Terminals | Eurogate BHV, NTB, BLG | HHLA, Eurogate HH | JadeWeserPort |
| Required for | MRN Closure | MRN Closure | MRN Closure |
| Number Format | BHT-Referenznummer | Z-Nummer / B-Nummer / S-Nummer | WHT-Referenznummer |
| MRN Closure Speed | 24–72 hours (real-time terminal data) | 24–72 hours (real-time via DAKOSY) | 24–72 hours |
All three systems (BHT, ZAPP, WHT) serve the same function — linking customs data (MRN) with the physical container handling at the port terminal. The difference is that each German port has its own IT system, managed by a different operator. For exporters, this means that depending on the port of exit, registration is needed in the appropriate system: BHT for Bremerhaven/Bremen, DAKOSY/ZAPP for Hamburg, WHT for Wilhelmshaven.
It is also worth knowing that the ZAPP system (Zoll-Ausfuhrüberwachung im Paperless Port, developed by DAKOSY AG) operates as the export module for the Port of Hamburg — but can also serve as an alternative MRN closure path for Bremerhaven. This means that even if BHT registration is not performed, the MRN can still be closed by ZAPP based on the vessel manifest. However, the BHT path is typically faster (hours vs days) because BHT operates on real-time data from the terminal, whereas ZAPP waits for the manifest from the shipping line.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about BHT Number
What is a BHT Number?
A BHT Number (BHT-Referenznummer) is a unique number assigned by the Bremer Hafentelematik (BHT) port IT system when registering a container or cargo for export. It is required by port terminals in Bremerhaven and Bremen for customs clearance and MRN closure.
How much does it cost to get a BHT Number?
If you use a port agent or intermediary (such as potwierdz-wywoz.pl), the service fee depends on the scope — it typically covers BHT registration, status monitoring, and obtaining the CC599C/IE599 export confirmation.
How long does MRN closure take via BHT?
The standard MRN closure time after correct BHT registration is 24–72 hours from the physical loading of the container onto the vessel. In case of issues (data discrepancies, missing terminal confirmation), the process may take longer.
Can I get a BHT Number without a port agent?
In practice, most exporters outside Germany use port agents or specialized services (like potwierdz-wywoz.pl) because the BHT system requires knowledge of port procedures and is primarily available in German.
What document do I receive after MRN closure via BHT?
After MRN closure via the BHT system, you receive the CC599C message (formerly IE599) — an electronic confirmation that goods have left the EU. This document is required for the 0% VAT rate on exports and is generated automatically by the customs system after loading confirmation.
Legal basis: Art. 334 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447. BHT system information based on documentation from dbh Logistics IT AG (operator of Bremer Hafentelematik) and terminal operators Eurogate Container Terminal Bremerhaven and NTB (North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven). Legal status as of March 2026.