EORI for Non-EU Businesses - Third Country Registration Guide

Do Non-EU Businesses Need EORI?

The short answer is: it depends on your business model and how you interact with EU customs. Many non-EU businesses selling to EU customers do NOT need their own EORI number, while others do. Understanding your specific situation is crucial.

Good News for Most Sellers: If you simply sell goods to EU customers and an EU-based importer, customs broker, or marketplace handles the customs clearance, you typically don't need your own EORI. Your EU partner uses their EORI for the import declaration.

When You DO Need an EU EORI:

You want to act as the customs declarant yourself in the EU
You're establishing a warehouse or distribution center in the EU
You're acting as a carrier connecting to EU customs systems
You're applying for EU customs authorizations in your own name
You have an EU subsidiary or permanent establishment

When You DON'T Need an EU EORI:

You sell DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and your EU partner handles customs
You sell through EU marketplaces that import as the importer of record
Your EU customers or their customs brokers handle import clearance
You sell via EU-based distributors who buy and resell your products

Common Business Scenarios

🇺🇸 US Company Selling to EU Customers

Scenario: You manufacture products in the USA and sell to customers across Europe.

EORI Needed? Usually NO if your EU customers handle their own import clearance, or you use a freight forwarder who acts as declarant. YES if you want to manage customs yourself or have EU warehouse stock.

🇨🇳 Chinese Company Using EU Fulfillment

Scenario: You ship products to an EU fulfillment center (like Amazon FBA) for distribution.

EORI Needed? Depends on arrangement. If you're the importer of record bringing goods into the EU, YES. If a third-party logistics provider imports on their account, possibly NO.

🌏 Non-EU Company with EU Subsidiary

Scenario: Your parent company is outside the EU, but you have an established EU entity.

EORI Needed? YES for the EU subsidiary. The EU entity applies for EORI in its country of establishment and uses it for all EU customs operations.

📦 Drop Shipping to EU

Scenario: You drop ship products directly from non-EU suppliers to EU customers.

EORI Needed? Usually NO for the seller. The actual importer (often the customer or a designated customs representative) needs the EORI.

How Non-EU Businesses Apply for EORI

If you've determined you need an EU EORI, here's how to proceed:

Step 1: Choose Registration Country

Since you don't have an EU establishment, you must apply in the EU member state where you first intend to conduct customs operations. Consider factors like:

Which country will your goods first enter the EU?
Where is your logistics partner or warehouse located?
Language accessibility of customs authorities
Processing speed (France is fast, Germany slower)

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Non-EU businesses typically need:

Certificate of Incorporation: Proof your company legally exists
Business License: Evidence of trading authorization
Apostille/Legalization: Documents may need apostille under the Hague Convention
Certified Translations: If not in an official EU language
Identification: Passport/ID of directors and authorized persons
Power of Attorney: If using an EU representative to apply
Business Activity Description: What customs operations you'll conduct

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply through the customs authority of your chosen EU country, typically via their online portal or by submitting forms with documentation by email.

Step 4: Receive Your EORI

Your EORI will include an identifier showing both the EU country of registration and your country of origin. For example, a US company registered in France might receive: FRUS123456789

Non-EU EORI Format

EORI numbers for non-EU businesses follow a special format that identifies both the EU registration country and the company's origin:

Format: [EU Country Code] + [Origin Country ISO Code] + [Customs Number]
Examples:
• US company in Germany: DEUS123456789012
• Chinese company in France: FRCN12345678901
• Japanese company in Netherlands: NLJP123456789

Alternative: Use an EU Customs Representative

Instead of obtaining your own EORI, many non-EU businesses work with EU-based customs representatives or freight forwarders who can act on their behalf.

Benefits of Using a Representative:

No need for your own EORI registration
Expert handling of complex customs procedures
Local knowledge of specific country requirements
Faster setup than registering yourself

Considerations:

Ongoing service fees
Less direct control over customs operations
Dependent on third-party relationship

Important Change: Under the Union Customs Code, non-EU businesses can generally no longer act as direct declarants themselves. This makes working with an EU customs representative or establishing an EU entity more important for direct customs involvement.

Country-Specific Considerations

Popular EU countries for non-EU business EORI registration:

Netherlands

Popular due to Rotterdam port, excellent logistics infrastructure, English-speaking customs. Good choice for distribution-focused operations.

Germany

Largest EU market, thorough verification process (can take 3 weeks), suitable for companies planning significant German market presence.

France

Fast processing (often hours), good for companies needing quick registration, strong Mediterranean access.

Belgium

Antwerp port, central location, multilingual administration, popular for logistics companies.