EORI Number Lookup & Validation

What is an EORI Number?

The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identifier required for all businesses and individuals engaged in customs activities within the European Union. Introduced on July 1, 2009, under EU Regulation 312/2009, the EORI system replaced various national customs identification numbers with a single EU-wide registration system.

Every economic operator conducting import, export, or transit operations involving goods moving across EU borders must possess a valid EORI number. This requirement applies regardless of whether you are a large multinational corporation, a small business, or an individual entrepreneur engaged in international trade. The EORI number serves as your unique identifier across all 27 EU member states, eliminating the need for separate registrations in each country where you conduct customs operations.

The EORI number system provides significant benefits for international trade efficiency. Customs authorities across all EU member states can instantly identify and verify economic operators, streamlining the customs clearance process and reducing administrative burden. For businesses, having a single identification number that works throughout the EU simplifies compliance and reduces the complexity of cross-border trade operations.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

Understanding whether your business requires an EORI number is crucial for maintaining compliance with EU customs regulations. The requirement applies broadly to anyone involved in the international movement of goods involving EU territory.

EU-Based Businesses

If your company is established within the European Union and engages in any of the following activities, you must obtain an EORI number:

• Importing goods from countries outside the EU (third countries) into the EU customs territory
• Exporting goods from the EU to destinations outside the customs union
• Transit shipments where goods pass through EU territory en route to other destinations
• Customs warehousing operations involving storage of non-EU goods
• Inward processing where imported goods are processed and re-exported
• Temporary admission of goods for specific purposes with duty suspension

Non-EU Businesses

Companies established outside the European Union may also require an EORI number under certain circumstances. If your non-EU business intends to act as the declarant for customs purposes or serve as a carrier connecting to EU customs systems, you will need to register for an EORI number in the EU member state where you first conduct customs operations.

However, most non-EU businesses that simply sell goods to EU customers do not need their own EORI number. In these cases, the EU-based importer, customs broker, or freight forwarder handling the customs declaration will use their EORI number for the shipment.

Individuals and Private Persons

Private individuals occasionally importing or exporting goods for personal use generally do not need an EORI number. The requirement typically applies only to commercial activities conducted on a regular basis. However, if you engage in frequent international trade activities (more than occasional personal shipments), registration may become necessary.

EORI Number Format by Country

While all EORI numbers follow a standard structure consisting of a two-letter country code followed by a unique identifier, the specific format varies between EU member states. Understanding these formats helps verify that an EORI number is correctly structured before validation.

For detailed format information and application procedures for specific countries, visit our country guides:

How to Apply for an EORI Number

The application process for an EORI number varies by country, but generally follows a straightforward procedure. The good news is that EORI registration is completely free of charge across all EU member states, and in most countries, the application can be submitted online.

General Application Steps

1. Determine your registration country: Apply in the EU member state where your business is established. If you're outside the EU, apply in the country where you'll first conduct customs operations.
2. Gather required documents: Typically includes business registration, VAT certificate, proof of address, and identification for authorized signatories.
3. Submit application: Most countries offer online portals. Some still accept paper applications by mail or fax.
4. Receive confirmation: Processing times range from a few hours (France) to several weeks (Germany).
5. Verify your number: Once issued, use the official EU validation tool to confirm your EORI is active in the system.

Processing Times by Country

Registration timelines vary significantly across EU member states:

• France: As fast as a few hours for straightforward applications
• Netherlands: 1-5 working days depending on complexity
• Spain: 5-10 working days (faster if you already have a tax ID)
• Germany: Up to 3 weeks due to thorough verification processes
• United Kingdom: Instant for VAT-registered businesses, up to 5 days otherwise

For complete step-by-step application guides specific to each country, including direct links to official registration portals, visit our How to Apply page or select a country guide above.

EORI Validation: Why It Matters

Validating EORI numbers before conducting business with trading partners is an essential due diligence step that protects your company from potential problems and delays. The European Commission provides a free online validation tool that checks numbers against the official EORI database in real-time.

Benefits of EORI Validation

• Prevent shipment delays: Customs authorities verify EORI numbers during clearance. Invalid numbers cause holds and delays.
• Avoid financial penalties: Using incorrect EORI data on declarations can result in fines and reprocessing costs.
• Verify business legitimacy: A valid EORI confirms your trading partner is properly registered with customs authorities.
• Confirm company details: Validation returns the registered company name and address, helping verify you're dealing with the correct entity.
• Maintain compliance: Regular validation helps ensure your own EORI remains active and properly recorded.

What Validation Reveals

When you validate an EORI number through the official EU tool, a successful check returns the following information:

• Confirmation that the EORI number is valid and active
• Registered business name associated with the number
• Business address on file with customs authorities
• Country of registration

If validation fails, the number may be incorrectly entered, expired, or never validly issued. In such cases, contact your trading partner to obtain the correct EORI number before proceeding with shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an EORI number expire?

No, EORI numbers do not have an expiration date. Once issued, your EORI remains valid indefinitely unless it is specifically invalidated upon request or if your business ceases operations. However, you must keep your registration details up to date with customs authorities.

Can I use the same EORI number in all EU countries?

Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the EORI system. An EORI number issued in any EU member state is valid for customs operations throughout the entire European Union. You do not need separate EORI numbers for different EU countries.

Is an EORI number the same as a VAT number?

No, they are different identification systems serving different purposes. The VAT number is used for tax purposes within the EU, while the EORI number is specifically for customs identification. However, in some countries, the EORI number may incorporate or be based on the VAT number.

What happens if I trade without an EORI number?

Attempting to import or export goods without a required EORI number will result in your shipment being held at customs. This leads to delays, potential storage fees, and the need to urgently obtain an EORI before clearance can proceed. In some cases, penalties may apply.

Do I need a UK EORI after Brexit?

Yes, following Brexit, the UK operates a separate EORI system. Businesses trading between the UK and EU now need both an EU EORI (for EU operations) and a GB EORI (for UK operations). Northern Ireland has its own XI prefix EORI for specific circumstances.

For more answers, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.