What this site is
EORI Registry is a reference library about the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number used in customs processes in the European Union and related movements. The objective is to explain where EORI appears, how it is structured in practice, how applications typically work by country, and how to avoid operational errors that cause clearance delays.
This site is not a customs authority, does not issue EORI numbers, and does not provide official validation services. Where a validation step is needed, the page Validation explained describes the competent systems and what a correct check usually confirms.
Fast route to the right page
Purpose, who needs it, and when it is used.
Apply by countryOfficial entry points and what changes by jurisdiction.
EORI vs VATTwo identifiers, different roles in trade compliance.
Importer and exporter guidesDocuments, declarations, timelines, and controls.
Core concepts at a glance
| Concept | Practical meaning in customs operations |
|---|---|
| EORI number | An identifier used in customs interactions to link an operator to filings and decisions within the EU customs environment. |
| Economic operator | A business or person acting in the course of their activity in matters covered by customs legislation, including import and export formalities. |
| Declaration vs release | A customs declaration is a formal statement; release is the authority decision allowing goods to move into a procedure or to free circulation. |
| Importer of record | The party responsible for compliance on import, often tied to VAT, duties, and regulatory controls. EORI is commonly required. |
| Direct vs indirect representation | A broker may act on behalf of an importer. Responsibilities depend on representation mode and national rules. |
Common reasons EORI questions appear
- First import into the EU, including small parcels and e-commerce.
- Switching freight forwarders or changing the declarant representation model.
- Post-Brexit movements involving the EU and the UK.
- Regulatory controls where identifiers must match the declarant and the operator.
- Cross-border VAT registrations where teams confuse VAT ID and EORI.
Next: choose your path
What to prepare before the first shipment arrives.
Exporter guideOutbound customs, evidence, and identifiers.
Brexit impactWhen EU and UK EORI numbers are both relevant.
FAQ hubShort answers with definitions and edge cases.
Sources and references are consolidated in Sources. Method and update rules are stated in Methodology.