Frequently Asked Questions

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identification number assigned to businesses and individuals who conduct customs operations within the European Union customs territory.

An EORI number is mandatory for customs clearance in the EU. You need it to import goods from non-EU countries, export goods outside the EU, submit customs declarations, apply for customs authorizations, and conduct transit operations through EU territory.

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.

EORI registration is completely free in all EU member states. You do not need to pay any fees to customs authorities for EORI registration. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees for this basic process.

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 all 27 EU countries. You only need one EORI number for the entire EU.

No, they are different identification systems. VAT numbers are used for tax purposes, while EORI numbers are specifically for customs identification. However, in some countries, the EORI number may be based on or similar to the VAT number structure.

You must apply in the EU member state where your business is established. If you're a non-EU business without an EU establishment, apply in the country where you first intend to conduct customs operations.

Processing times vary by country. France can process applications within hours, the Netherlands in 1-5 days, Spain in 5-10 days, and Germany may take up to 3 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned customs operations.

Most EU countries now offer online EORI registration through their customs authority websites. Some countries also accept paper applications by mail or fax. Online registration is usually faster.

Typically you need business registration documents, VAT certificate (if applicable), identification of authorized persons, and proof of address. Non-EU businesses may need additional documentation including certificates of incorporation and certified translations.

No, each economic operator can only have one EORI number within the EU. If you already have an EORI from one member state, you cannot and should not apply for another. The existing EORI works across all EU countries.

If you conduct customs operations (import/export with non-EU countries), yes. In some countries, you may have been automatically assigned an EORI when you registered for VAT. Check the EU validation tool to see if you already have one.

All EORI numbers start with a two-letter country code (like DE for Germany, FR for France) followed by a unique identifier. For example: DE123456789012345 or FR12345678901234. The length varies by country, typically 10-17 characters total.

Use the official European Commission EORI validation tool at ec.europa.eu. Enter the EORI number and the tool will confirm if it's valid and show the registered business name and address.

Possible reasons include: the number is incorrectly entered, it was recently issued and not yet in the database, it has been invalidated, or the business has closed. Double-check the format and contact your customs authority if the issue persists.

The public validation tool shows: confirmation of validity, registered business name, and registered address. Other registration details remain confidential and are only accessible to authorized customs authorities.

Yes, following Brexit, the UK operates a separate EORI system. UK businesses need a GB EORI for trade outside the UK. If you also trade with the EU directly, you may need both a GB EORI and an EU EORI (obtained from an EU member state).

GB EORI (prefix GB) is for businesses in England, Scotland, and Wales. XI EORI (prefix XI) is for Northern Ireland businesses or those moving goods to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. XI EORI allows access to EU customs systems for NI-EU trade.

If you're a UK business, your old EU EORI (with GB prefix issued before Brexit) is no longer valid. You need to apply for a new GB EORI through HMRC. EU EORI numbers from other member states remain valid within the EU.

No, GB EORI numbers are not in the EU EORI database. Use the UK government's EORI checker at gov.uk instead. XI EORI numbers may appear in both systems under certain circumstances related to Northern Ireland trade.

Not always. If you're simply selling goods to EU customers and an EU-based importer handles customs clearance, you typically don't need your own EORI. However, if you want to act as declarant or conduct customs operations directly, you will need to register.

Apply in the EU member state where you first intend to conduct customs operations. You'll need additional documentation including proof of business existence, certificates of incorporation, and potentially certified translations.

Non-EU EORI numbers typically include the EU country prefix where registered, your home country's ISO code, and a customs-assigned identifier. For example, a US company registered in France might have: FRUS123456789.

Your shipment will be held at customs and cannot clear until a valid EORI is provided. This causes delays, potential storage fees, and may result in penalties. Always ensure you have a valid EORI before conducting customs operations.

No, EORI is only required for trade with non-EU countries (third countries). Intra-EU trade between member states does not require EORI as there are no customs borders within the EU single market.

In some cases, yes. If your freight forwarder or customs broker acts as declarant, they can use their EORI. However, if you're listed as importer/exporter of record, you'll need your own EORI. Discuss with your logistics provider.

Contact the customs authority that issued your EORI to report changes in business name, address, legal form, or other registration details. Keeping information current is mandatory and ensures smooth customs operations.