Get Importing with an EORI Number
Start importing with an EORI number
An EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is the unique identifier customs authorities use for your business when goods cross into or out of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Without it, commercial imports and exports can be delayed, rejected, or charged incorrectly at the border.
VAT Support helps companies obtain the correct EORI in the right jurisdiction, align it with VAT registrations where needed, and avoid common filing mistakes that slow down clearance.
Selling online in the EU? See EU VAT for ecommerce · IOSS
What exactly is an EORI number?
An EORI number is issued to economic operators — businesses or individuals acting in a professional capacity — so customs can identify who is responsible for a shipment in every declaration. The format usually starts with a two-letter country code (for example FR for France or DE for Germany) followed by a national identifier. In the United Kingdom, HMRC issues GB EORI numbers for Great Britain and, where relevant, XI numbers for movements involving Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
The EU introduced the EORI system to improve security, reduce fraud, and speed up data exchange between member states and traders. Today it is embedded in import, export, and transit processes, and is often checked against VAT and safety and security filings. Even if you use a customs broker, your business normally still needs its own EORI so declarations can be legally attributed to you.
If you are established outside the EU or UK, you typically apply for an EORI in the first country where you lodge a customs declaration or where a major customs obligation arises. Getting this wrong can mean repeated border stops, storage costs, and penalties. Our team maps your supply chain and recommends the correct member state or HMRC route before you submit.
- Required for commercial imports and exports (not private purchases).
- Distinct from a VAT number — though data may be linked in some countries.
- Needed on entry and exit declarations, and often for deferment accounts.
- Non-EU sellers: first declaration country usually drives which EORI you need first.
EORI is not the same as VAT. You may need an EORI for customs even when VAT registration follows a different timeline. Conversely, VAT registration alone does not replace a missing EORI on declarations.
Why is an EORI number mandatory?
For business movements of goods, customs law expects a clear, unique identity on every declaration. That is the role of EORI: it ties legal responsibility, duty/VAT collection, and audit trails to a specific operator.
On every customs declaration
Your EORI must appear where the rules require an identified declarant or party. In the UK, it is also tied to Customs Declaration Service (CDS) access and can be needed for duty deferment.
Even if you use a customs agent
A broker files on your behalf, but you remain the economic operator. Without your EORI, agents cannot complete many standard declarations for your inventory.
Where to register
EU businesses normally register in their member state of establishment. After Brexit, GB and XI EORI rules diverge from the EU27 — plan both sides if you move goods through the UK and the single market.
How EORI fits with VAT and ecommerce
Importers often pay import VAT at the border unless another procedure applies (for example postponed accounting in some countries, or IOSS for eligible low-value consignments to the EU). Your EORI helps customs link the physical movement to the right fiscal treatment. For Amazon FBA, 3PL, or Drop-shipping models, you may need both VAT registrations in storage countries and valid EORI data on declarations that position stock inside the EU or UK.
We work alongside your logistics and marketplace setup so identifiers are consistent across carrier systems, customs, and VAT returns. If you are scaling into multiple countries, start with a short compliance review: it is cheaper than emergency clearance at the port.
VAT rate guidance
Rates and product categories differ by country. We help you apply the right percentages and document them for audits.
EU and UK VAT ratesVAT registration
When stock or sales cross thresholds, you may need local VAT numbers in addition to EORI. We coordinate multi-country filings.
VAT registrationsEU VAT overview
OSS, IOSS, and standard registration paths each suit different supply chains. Compare options before you restructure pricing.
EU VAT hubEORI FAQs
Do private individuals need an EORI?
Generally no. EORI is aimed at traders and other businesses moving goods commercially. Personal imports may use different procedures depending on value and channel.
Can one EORI cover the whole EU?
An EORI is valid EU-wide for identification, but is issued by one member state. UK EORI is separate. If your activity spans the Channel, you may need both UK and EU identifiers.
How long does registration take?
Timelines depend on the authority and completeness of your documents. Many applications fall in the 2–21 day range, but complex cases or peak periods can take longer.
Also selling low-value parcels to the EU?
IOSS can simplify import VAT on eligible B2C shipments up to €150. It does not replace EORI for standard commercial imports, but the two schemes often sit in the same roadmap.
Need IOSS as well?
If you collect import VAT at checkout for EU consumers, IOSS can reduce surprises at delivery. Ask us about bundling IOSS with EORI and VAT registrations in one plan.
Register for IOSSGet your EORI with a clear plan
Book a consultation and we will confirm the correct country, prepare paperwork, and track the authority response until your number is active.