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🇫🇷 France EORI Number Guide

Complete guide to French EORI numbers based on SIRET, with fast processing through the SOPRANO system.

French EORI Overview

France offers one of the fastest EORI registration processes in the European Union. French EORI numbers are directly based on the SIRET business identification system, making registration straightforward for companies already established in France. The Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI) handles all EORI matters through the SOPRANO electronic system.

FR
Country Prefix
16
Total Characters
Hours to 1 day
Processing Time
Free
Registration Cost

French EORI Format

French EORI numbers are built on the SIRET (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Établissements) number, which uniquely identifies French business establishments.

Format for French businesses: FR + SIRET (14 digits)
Example: FR12345678901234
Format for Non-EU businesses: FR + ISO country code + customs number
Example (US company): FRUS123456789
Fast Processing: France is known for rapid EORI registration, often completing applications within a few hours for straightforward cases. This makes it one of the most efficient systems in the EU.

Understanding SIRET and SIREN

To understand French EORI numbers, it's helpful to know the French business identification system:

SIREN Number (9 digits)

The SIREN (Système d'Identification du Répertoire des Entreprises) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to each legal entity registered in France. It identifies the business as a whole.

SIRET Number (14 digits)

The SIRET number extends the SIREN by adding a 5-digit NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement) that identifies specific business establishments. A company with multiple locations will have the same SIREN but different SIRET numbers for each establishment.

SIRET = SIREN (9 digits) + NIC (5 digits)

Your French EORI number will be FR + your 14-digit SIRET number. If you're already operating in France, you likely already have a SIRET, which simplifies EORI registration considerably.

How to Apply for a French EORI

French EORI registration is conducted through the SOPRANO EORI teleservice, an online platform managed by French customs.

For French-Established Businesses

  1. Access SOPRANO EORI: Visit the SOPRANO EORI teleservice through the French customs portal (douane.gouv.fr)
  2. Authenticate: Log in using your business credentials or create an account if needed
  3. Enter SIRET: Provide your SIRET number - the system will automatically retrieve your business information from official registers
  4. Verify Information: Confirm that the pre-populated information is correct
  5. Submit Application: Complete the submission process
  6. Receive EORI: Your FR EORI (FR + SIRET) will typically be assigned within hours

French Customs Portal →

For Non-EU Businesses

Non-EU businesses must apply through the same SOPRANO EORI system but with additional documentation:

Non-EU businesses receive an EORI in the format: FR + ISO country code + assigned customs number.

Required Documents

For French Companies:

French customs has electronic access to the INSEE database (Répertoire Sirene), so they can verify most business information automatically. This significantly reduces the documentation burden compared to other countries.

For Non-French/Non-EU Companies:

Processing Time

France is renowned for rapid EORI processing. Here's what to expect:

Why So Fast? The integration with the SIRET/SIREN system allows French customs to verify business information instantly. Since your EORI is essentially FR + your existing SIRET, the registration process is largely automated for domestic companies.

French Customs Authority Contact

Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)

The French customs website provides information in both French and English. The PAE (Pôle d'Action Économique) with jurisdiction over your company's registered office is the competent authority for EORI matters.