Set up Manufacturer Identification (MID) Codes for international shipments

MID (Manufacturer Identification) Codes are used for customs documentation to identify the manufacturer or supplier of goods in international shipments. Starshipit supports importing MID Codes automatically from select platforms, or you can assign them via the Product Catalogue.

Understanding how and where to apply MID Codes ensures accurate Customs documentation, especially when shipping internationally with couriers such as DHL Express.

MID Code naming in Starshipit

You may see different labels for the same field across Starshipit:

• In order and product screens, this usually appears as Manufacturer Code (or Manufacturer ID in some UI views).
• In CSV contexts, this may be referenced as MID Code.

All of these refer to the same MID value used for customs documentation.

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Why are MID Codes important?

MID Codes are required by Customs for international shipments to identify the manufacturer or supplier of goods. This information is particularly critical for couriers like DHL Express when submitting Electronic Commercial Invoices (eCIs).

A correctly assigned MID Code:

• Helps ensure smooth Customs clearance
• Prevents delays or rejected shipments
• Allows accurate reporting and tracking of supply chain data

Note: If a MID Code is required and not provided, the shipment may be held by Customs or returned to the sender.

Where MID Codes are used

MID Codes are sent as part of customs data for supported international shipping workflows.

MID values are currently supported on carrier labels/documents for:

• Seko
• Parxl

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Where can I find or create MID Codes?

MID Codes are not standardised like HS Codes. You’ll typically need to generate them using the following formula:

Example:
A manufacturer located in Auckland, New Zealand, named “Acme Textiles Ltd” at “12 Queen Street” would have a MID like:
NZACMAUC12QU

You can also refer to your DHL Express account manager or customs broker for help generating or validating MID Codes.

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Import MID Codes from your integrated platform

Starshipit supports several methods to source MID values:

• CSV import mapping
• Peoplevox attribute mapping
• Public API (mid_code)
• Product Catalogue entry
• Manual entry on individual orders

CSV Import

You can import MID Codes from your CSV file by mapping the manufacturer_code field.

1. In your Starshipit account, go to Settings, then select CSV File Setup.
2. Select Map your own customised CSV.
3. Map your MID Code column to the field manufacturer_code.
4. Click Save.

Refer to the CSV integration guide for more information.

Peoplevox

Starshipit can import MID Codes from Peoplevox using mapped item attributes.

1. Go to Settings Integrations.
2. Click Settings next to Peoplevox.
3. Scroll down to Import Manufacturer Code from.
4. Select the relevant item attribute that contains your MID Code.
5. Click Save.

Public API

You can assign MID Codes to shipment items using the Starshipit Public API.

Both the order creation and order update endpoints support the mid_code field inside each item object. The API controller writes this value directly to the shipment item’s Manufacturer Code field.

Example payload:

{
  "order_number": "ORDER12345",
  "items": [
    {
      "sku": "ITEM001",
      "description": "Test Item",
      "quantity": 1,
      "value": 20.0,
      "mid_code": "NZACMAUC12QU"
    }
  ]
}

Once submitted, the MID Code will appear in the order under the item's Manufacturer Code field.

Assign MID Codes using the Product Catalogue

If you’re not using a CSV import, Peoplevox, or importing via the API the best way to apply MID Codes is through the Product Catalogue in Starshipit.

1. Go to Settings > Product Catalogue.
2. Click Edit on the product you want to update.
3. Enter the MID Code in the Manufacturer Code field.
4. Click Save.

Manually add a MID Code within an order

You can also edit an individual order and add a MID Code manually if needed.

1. Open the order from the New orders grid.
2. Click Expand next to the Items section.
3. Select Edit next to the item you want to update.
4. Enter the MID Code in the Manufacturer Code field.
5. Click anywhere to save the item, then Save Order.

Things to consider