What Is an EORI Number? A Guide for Importers & Exporters

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a mandatory identification number used by customs authorities in the UK and the European Union to track and register businesses involved in international trade.

If you’re shipping goods to or from the UK or EU, you’ll likely need an EORI number to clear customs, file declarations, and comply with post-Brexit import/export regulations.

Why Is an EORI Number Important?

An EORI number is required for most commercial shipments entering or leaving the UK or EU. Without it, your goods can be delayed at customs, incur penalties, or be held at the border—especially for freight handled via air or ocean transport.

Your EORI number acts like a customs ID, linking your business to all cross-border trade activity and helping customs authorities manage compliance, VAT collection, and trade reporting.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

You need an EORI number if you:

Import or export goods between the UK and non-UK countries
Trade between EU member states and countries outside the EU
Act as the exporter of record or importer of record (IOR)
Submit customs declarations or apply for customs reliefs
Use a customs broker or freight forwarder on your behalf

Even if you’re not physically moving the goods yourself, you may still need an EORI to complete required customs filings.

UK vs. EU EORI Numbers: What’s the Difference?

After Brexit, UK and EU EORI numbers became mutually exclusive. That means:

UK-based companies need a GB EORI number to trade with the EU and other non-UK countries.
Format: GB123456789000
EU-based companies need an EU EORI number issued by one of the EU member states.
Format: Usually includes the country code (e.g., DE123456789 for Germany)

If you’re doing business on both sides of the Channel, you may need both a UK and an EU EORI.

How to Apply for an EORI Number

The process is straightforward and free:

For UK businesses:

Go to the UK Government portal: https://www.gov.uk/eori
Log in with your Government Gateway ID
Complete the online form
Receive your EORI number by email (usually within 2–5 business days)

For EU businesses:

Apply through your country’s customs authority (e.g., Germany’s Zoll, France’s Douane)
Provide VAT registration info and company details
Most countries allow online applications and issue numbers within a few days

Where Is the EORI Number Used?

Your EORI number must appear on:

Commercial invoices and customs declarations
Import and export entries in the EU’s and UK’s customs systems
Applications for customs authorizations or reliefs (e.g., bonded warehousing, inward processing)
VAT deferral and reporting documentation