What is an EORI Number? Complete Guide

Ryan Patrick

• 7 min read
What is an EORI Number? Complete Guide

Dealing with international trade and customs can be complex, but understanding EORI numbers can simplify the process, ensuring seamless transactions. Whether a beginner or a trader seeking to expand internationally, you must have an EORI number when trading within the UK and European Union. So, if you want to embrace international trade with confidence and succeed, read to the end about the EORI number.

This guide will help you understand the EORI number, who needs it, and EORI's importance. Incorpuk company formation experts will also guide you into applying for the number, and EORI updated regulations.

What is the EORI Number?

The EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier given to companies that import and export goods in the European Union. The number streamlines the customs process and makes it easy for customs authorities to look into ships entering and leaving the European Union. Companies must obtain the EORI number to

  • Submit export declarations
  • Entry summary declaration
  • Exit summary declaration

All other custom-related documents, such as:

  • Applying for custom decision
  • Use custom systems like Import Control System Northern Ireland (CHIEF)
  • Serve as a transporter for conveying goods via sea, air, or inland waterway
  • Submitting temporary storage declaration
  • Submit a customs declaration for re-export declaration or temporary admission when a guarantee is provided
  • Appoint a person to deal with your customs requirements for you
  • If you're a carrier integrated with customs systems and desire notifications concerning the submission or alteration of entry summary declarations, you can opt to receive such updates

You obtain the EORI number through the economic operators' registration process. The EORI system is managed by the customs authority, which ensures efficient customs processing during the importation and exportation of goods in the EU. This includes customs duties, including the payment of import VAT. In the UK, HMRC assigns EORI numbers to companies that import and export goods upon request. This is an essential requirement for conducting trade within the European Union.

Before 2020, a UK EORI number worked for importing goods in the EU. However, since the UK left, UK EORI numbers no longer work for import into the EU. So now, if you import into the EU, you need to get an EORI number from an EU country. This means you might need two EORI numbers: one for the EU and one for the UK.

EORI Number Format

Different types of EORI depend on your VAT registration status and location. The UK EORI number consists of 12 letters after GB.

  1. For VAT-registered traders, the EORI number is GB, followed by the VAT registration number, and VRN +000 comes last. For example GB123456789000
  2. For traders who are not VAT registered, their format starts with GB, followed by a unique number that helps identify the business.

Merchants importing and expecting items from or to Northern Ireland have a format that starts with XI, followed by a unique number.

Remember, the EORI number doesn't expire; once you're assigned it, it permanently belongs to you. However, EORI numbers can be invalidated upon request or if your business discontinues its activities. Following invalidation, the recorded EORI information is retained for a monitoring period of ten years.

Understanding the proper format of EORI numbers is crucial for accurately filling out customs paperwork. These formats are integral to the EORI system, which helps customs authorities quickly identify and handle shipments within the EU.

Who Needs the EORI Number?

You will need the EORI number if you fall into one of these categories:

  • If you're a trader operating within the customs territory of the EU or the United Kingdom. This includes companies that manufacture, ecommerce, wholesale or retail within the EU.
  • Suppose you're an economic operator without a presence in the customs territory of the EU or the United Kingdom. In that case, you must also enrol for customs-related tasks, such as customs declarations, Exit Summary Declarations (EXS), Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), and declarations for temporary storage. This registration is also essential if they function as carriers.
  • Individuals who are not traders must register if mandated by national laws of the Member State or other legal provisions of the European Union or if they participate in activities requiring the provision of an EORI number.

Check GOV.UK to review the updated list of who requires the EORI number and see if you need it.

Checking if you Have an EORI Number?

If you want to check if you have an existing EORI number, consult the EORI online database or the European Commission website. The United Kingdom government website provides a service verifying your EORI number. Thus allowing you to confirm your business registration status easily.

When you Have no EORI Number

The EORI code allows your company's goods to go through customs. Without it, your goods will stick at the border, and you won't be able to access them. This is expensive if you ship your goods using air freight or sea. The longer your items are held, the more costs you incur. You will pay for storage where your goods are detained. Additionally, these delays will hold up your transactions, leading to cash flow issues and unhappy clients. You could also incur substantial expenses related to shipping and customs clearance fees.

How to Apply for an EORI Number

The process of getting the EORI number depends on the type of goods you want to export or import and your VAT registration status. Obtaining the number is free and straightforward. Apply your EORI code to the responsible authority in your country, which you can apply through the relevant authority's official websites.

After filling out the required forms online or signing and sending by post to other countries, inquire about your country's EORI number application requirements. Unlike VAT numbers, you need one EORI number. The EORI code issued and the owner's data are stored in a central EU database, subject to obtaining written consent from the data owner.

Then, your EORI number and details are used for custom procedures for importing and exporting within the country of registration or any other country within the European Union.

Information needed when applying for the UK EORI number:

UK VAT Registered Companies

If you are a UK VAT-registered company, you need to provide this information:

  • Full name
  • Company Position
  • Contact details
  • VAT registration number
  • VAT registered name
  • VAT address
  • Then tick information on the GB validation checker box
  • Tick to agree with the statement provided in the declaration box

UK Non-VAT Registered Company Importing or Exporting

If your company is non-VAT registered importing goods, you need to provide the following information:

  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Contacts information
  • Legal status of the company
  • Description of goods you're importing, with their volume and value
  • Supplier information
  • Courier or freight information
  • Import method

Remember to obtain any EORI number; you must have a government gateway account when you're issued when you register your company. You'll require your National Insurance number if you operate as a sole trader. Additionally, if your business is registered in the Companies House database, you might need a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). You'll also be asked to provide your company commencement date and Standard Industrial Code (SIC).

If you provide accurate information, you will have a smooth application process. Incomplete or inaccurate information may delay or deny the EORI number, hindering your business's ability to trade within the EU.

EORI Number Application Time Frame

It takes four to seven days to obtain your EORI number after application based on your registration status. The application is quite simple; applying online takes less than 10 minutes. You will instantly get the GB EORI number, but further verification will take about five days.

To avoid delays, ensure all required details are accurate and complete before submission when applying, and applying for the number early before your international trade helps prevent shipment delays or customs complications.

How to Use the EORI Number in Customs Documentation

Once your business obtains an EORI number, it becomes a valuable asset in international trade dealings within the EU. Let's look at practical tips for efficiently leveraging it in customs declarations and how to integrate it into your company operations to enhance logistics and supply chain management.

  • Customs declaration: you must include this number in custom declarations for trade when importing and exporting within the EU. This applies to several documents, such as export, import and transit declarations.
  • Communication: when communicating with customs authorities in EU nations, the EORI number must be used in all communications inquiries and documentation submissions to ensure you're an efficient transaction process
  • Electronic customs system: most EU members use an electronic customs system that requires this number for access. This means you can submit your declarations electronically, receive notifications and effectively manage custom processes.

How to Integrate your EORI Number in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

  • Internal record keeping: integrate your EORI into your company's internal record-keeping system, such as finance, customer relationship management, accounting software, and logistics documentation. This eases the preparation of trade-related paperwork and customs declarations.
  • Training and awareness: teach your employees the importance of EORI numbers in international trade operations. Ensure logistics shipping and customs compliance staff know how to use it.
  • Compliance check:   Regularly assess the use of your EORI number in customs declarations and all trade-related paperwork. Conducting routine reviews ensures continuous adherence to regulations and aids in identifying any inconsistencies or concerns that could result in delays or penalties.
  • Supplier partner communication: Inform your logistics partner, suppliers, and service providers of your EORI number. This will avoid delays in processing shipping and customs clearance services.

Benefits of using EORI Number in European Union Trade

There are numerous benefits of using the EORI in EU trades. Let's explore the benefits:

  • Safety and security: Enhances security and safety within the supply chain by facilitating the easier tracking of your goods
  • Custom clearance: The EORI number is Critical for facilitating customs clearance, expediting the import and export processes
  • Trade efficiency: The EORI number boosts trade efficiency by simplifying procedures and minimising delays
  • Compliance:  the number Ensures adherence to EU regulations, mitigating the risk of fines and legal complications
  • Custom communication: The EORI number enables direct communication with customs authorities, thereby streamlining procedures
  • Data accuracy: Ensures the correctness and coherence of data in customs documentation and declaration
  • Global recognition: The EORI number is acknowledged by all EU nations, thus promoting international trade within EU countries and beyond
  • Record keeping: EORI number assists in maintaining organised records and audit trails for transactions conducted abroad.
  • Market access: this number Grants entry to EU markets, often a prerequisite for numerous trade agreements and collaborations.

Final Thought

EORI numbers are crucial for making international trade smoother within the EU. They uniquely identify businesses and simplify customs procedures. Learning about the EORI system, its formats, and how to get one can make your global trade easier. Ensure your company has the correct EORI number, keep up with EORI rules, and follow the advice in this guide. This way, you can handle international trade confidently. Embrace the global trade opportunities with EORI number and tap into worldwide business opportunities.

If you want to register a company in the UK to maximise and unlock your global business opportunities, whether abroad or in the UK, contact Incorpuk today. We will help you form a company and do all the paperwork for you at a budget-friendly cost. Talk to our agents and start your company formation process now.