What is the EORI Number?

An EORI number identifies economic operators and certain other persons in customs procedures. Businesses undertaking customs activities in the EU generally need an EU EORI. Requirements for private individuals depend on the activity and applicable rules. Great Britain and Northern Ireland have separate EORI arrangements.

For those new to importing or exporting, obtaining an EORI can feel daunting. Don’t worry, though. We’re here to explain all about EORI numbers, including the EORI number definition, who should register, how to apply, and where to seek help.

Let’s get started.

The EORI Number

An EORI number stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number. It’s a unique code that’s used to trace and register customs information in the EU.

Who Needs an EORI System?

It’s possible to register for an EORI number as either a business or an individual. All EU based importers and exporters require an EORI number. In some cases, businesses that are outside of the EU but are trading within Europe must have one too.

A subsidiary that is a separate legal entity undertaking customs activities requires its own EORI registration. A branch that is not a separate legal entity generally uses the EORI of the entity to which it belongs. Group ownership alone does not determine which EORI applies.

How Does a Business or Individual Apply for an EORI Number?

Then, applicants must find and complete the correct form based on their needs, location, and business type. They should then submit the form electronically.

Apply before your first customs operation requiring an EORI. Required information and processing times depend on the registering authority. Check that authority’s current instructions and allow time for any additional checks.

The online application course for an EORI number is relatively easy, but applicants must have various details on hand to complete it. Applicants must provide details of the shipment that they’re currently intend to clear in or out of the European Union. The form cannot be completed ahead of time, and those that skip these details will be rejected.

EU registration: Apply to the customs authority of the EU country where your business is established. Businesses not established in the EU generally register where they first undertake an activity requiring an EORI. UK registration: Apply through HMRC for the appropriate GB EORI and, where required, XI EORI for Northern Ireland customs activities.

What’s the Format of an EORI Number?

An EORI number includes a country code to display where the organization or individual is registered, and a unique code or number.

An EU EORI consists of the issuing member state’s two-letter country code followed by a unique identifier. GB and XI EORI numbers belong to the UK arrangements. Use the number issued by the relevant authority; a VAT number alone does not confirm EORI registration.

VAT registered businesses: GB + VRN (VAT registration number) + 000 Non-VAT registered businesses: GB + unique number issued by HMRC

Should Businesses and Individuals Check If They Already Have an EORI Number?

Before claiming an EORI number, businesses and individuals should check that they aren’t already registered. Companies that are registered for VAT may already have an EORI number issued automatically.

Check whether your legal entity already has a valid EORI before applying. Use the relevant EU or UK validation service, and contact the issuing authority if the number is missing, invalid or your legal entity has changed.

It’s possible to contact the EORI team using their contact form to source an EORI number. However, data protection laws across the EU mean that it can be difficult to gain full data on a registered company. They might not accept publicly available details.

Remember, without an EORI number, businesses cannot import or export goods from the EU legally. This is because the EORI code is required for customs declarations of all products entering or leaving the EU.

How Can Businesses and Individuals Contact the EORI Team?

There are a few options for businesses or individuals that need advice about the EORI meaning or receiving an EORI number.

For specific EORI advice, reach the HMRC EORI team using the online form on the website.

If the inquiry is more general, call HMRC on 0300 200 3700, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For an EU EORI, contact the customs authority responsible for your registration. For a GB or XI EORI, use HMRC’s current EORI guidance and contact options on GOV.UK.