Why the Consignment Note (TTN) Matters and How to Apply for It

A consignment note is the legal backbone of every international road or rail shipment, serving simultaneously as proof of contract, customs declaration, and accounting record. In Eurasian markets, it’s known as транспортная накладная or TTN, while the EU’s road equivalent is the CMR note. Legally required for cross-border cargo, a correctly issued TTN underpins customs clearance, VAT reporting, and freight billing – omissions or errors risk delays, fines, or detention. To apply for one, you must compile sender/receiver details, goods descriptions, routing, weight/value, and special instructions, then complete and submit the appropriate form (CMR, SMGS, CIM/SMGS or national) and obtain carrier/customs stamps. Belo, we explain what a TTN is, why it matters, how to apply for it, regional nuances on the China–Central Asia–Russia–Belarus corridor, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a TTN?

The TTN is essentially the transport waybill for your shipment. It records consignor and consignee data, cargo description, weight, value, routing, and contractual terms, and becomes proof of carriage once the carrier stamps it at acceptance. In China–CIS rail corridors, the SMGS consignment note is used; for EU road, it’s the CMR note. In CIS road transport, rt the unified товарно-транспортная накладная (TTN) is mandated by EAEU regulation.

Key Functions of the Consignment Note

• Proof of Contract: Carrier liability begins when they stamp the consignment note, evidencing the transport contract.

• Customs Declaration: Authorities use TTN data for clearance, transit procedures, and risk assessment.

• Accounting Record: Businesses rely on the consignment note to log inventory dispatch and receipt, underpinning VAT and stock control.

Why a Correct TTN Matters

Issuing an accurate TTN is legally required for cross-border shipments. Without it, carriers cannot lawfully move goods, and customs will refuse clearance. For example, Kazakhstan’s trade portal mandates electronic pre-submission of consignment note data at least 24 hours before border arrival – failure risks a “high-risk” hold and detention fines. In 2023, an IT outage in that system delayed hundreds of wagons, costing demurrage fees and schedule disruptions.

How to Apply for a TTN

1. Gather Shipment Data

   • Consignor/Consignee: Full legal names, addresses, and contact details.

   • Goods Description: Nature, marks/numbers, packaging, quantity.

   • Weight & Volume: Gross/net weight, cubic volume, package count.

   • Value & Freight Terms: Declared value for customs, prepaid vs collect.

   • Route & Mode: Origin/destination stations or border points.

   • Special Conditions: Temperature control, hazardous codes, and insurance.

2. Select the Right Form

   • Road (EU/CIS): CMR note for EU; EAEU consignment note for CIS road.

   • Rail (China–CIS): SMGS waybill; combined CIM/SMGS for China–Europe corridors to avoid re-issue at borders.

   • Domestic China: Use the local railway waybill until the first international border.

3. Complete & Submit

   • Fill all mandatory fields in duplicate/triplicate, sign and date.

   • Submit to the carrier’s dispatch station or via the national electronic portal (e.g., Kazakhstan Trade Portal).

4. Obtain Stamped Copies

   • Carrier stamps to confirm acceptance (contract effect).

   • Shipper, carrier, and consignee each retain copies for transport and customs checks.

For tailored support on TTN issuance and cross-border documentation, consult logistics specialists like Dear-Railway Transport, who manage form selection, completion and local filings.

Table: Standard TTN Sections

Regional Nuances: China ↔ Central Asia ↔ Russia ↔ Belarus

• China–Kazakhstan Rail: At Dostyk/Alashankou, Chinese waybills switch to SMGS; pre-filing of consignment note 24 h prior is compulsory to avoid holds.

• EAEU Road (Russia/Belarus): Truck shipments require the unified consignment note, including VAT details, for intra-union transit under common customs rules.

• CIM/SMGS Corridor: On key China–Europe routes via Kazakhstan or Mongolia, the bilingual CIM/SMGS note prevents document re-creation at borders, reducing transcription errors and delays.

Common Errors & How to Avoid Them

By mastering the TTN process—what it is, why it’s mandatory, and how to apply correctly—business owners and import/export clients can ensure smooth, compliant shipments between China, Central Asia, Russia, and Belarus. Proper documentation avoids border delays, reduces costs, and supports reliable supply chains. Engage experienced partners like Dear-Railway Transport to manage your TTN needs and keep your goods moving seamlessly.