Applying for an EORI Number

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number and is used by customs to track shipments in and out of Europe. European Union (EU) member countries require an EORI number (sometimes referred to as EORI no) to act as an importer or exporter, even if using a third party for clearance. In the customs declaration process, it is mandatory for either the shipper or the shipping partner to include the EORI number in various documents related to customs. Failing to obtain an EORI number might result in customs detaining your shipment, which can cause significant delays and potentially result in additional costs.

Who Needs an EORI Number

1. Importers and Exporters: If you're involved in importing or exporting goods to or from the EU, an EORI number is essential, whether you clear customs on your own or use a third-party agent.

2. Customs Agents or Brokers: Professionals offering customs services need EORI numbers to facilitate import and export processes for clients.

3. Sole Proprietors and Legal Entities: Both individuals and businesses in international trade require EORI numbers.

4. Temporary Imports and Warehousing: EORI numbers are needed for temporary imports and customs warehousing.

5. VAT Registered Businesses: Many EU countries automatically assign EORI numbers to VAT-registered businesses.

6. Entities Claiming Customs Relief or Exemptions: EORI numbers are essential for tracking and documenting customs relief or exemptions.

Who Can Get An EORI Number

EORI numbers are issued to both legal entities and natural persons who run a business, such as a sole proprietorship. Company branches do not have their own separate EORI number. They instead use the number assigned to the main office. 

What the EORI Number Looks Like

The EORI number (EORI no) is made up of two parts. 

• First, there's the country code of the Member State that gives it out. 

• Then, there's a code or number that only that Member State uses, and it's totally unique.

EORI Number Format Examples:

• GB123456789000 (United Kingdom)

• DE987654321000 (Germany)

• FR555666777888 (France)

The format combines a two-letter country code with up to 15 alphanumeric characters. Each EORI no is unique to the registered business.

Note: EORI is sometimes misspelled as "eoir number" but the correct term is EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification)

How To Apply for an EORI Number

An EORI number can be obtained through the customs authorities of the Member State where the company will first be exporting. Applying* for an EORI number is done online and is free of charge. Once the application has been processed and approved, you'll be notified via email which will include your EORI number along with other important information.

To avoid delays, it's important to submit the paperwork for an EORI number well in advance as the process can take a few days to complete.

The EORI number is valid for the lifetime of your business.

To learn more, visit the EORI section on the European Commission website.

EORI Validation

Once you receive your EORI number, you can verify it using the EORI validation open service provided by the European Commission. This free validation tool allows you to check if an EORI number is registered and active

How to Use EORI Validation

The EORI validation open service helps you confirm the status of any EORI no:

1. Visit the EU EORI Validation Service on the European Commission website

2. Select the country where the EORI was issued

3. Enter the complete EORI number including the country code

4. Click "Validate" to check the registration status

The validation system confirms whether the EORI no is active and properly registered. This EORI validation tool is particularly useful when verifying suppliers, customers, or business partners before engaging in trade.

When to Validate an EORI Number

You should use the EORI validation open service when:

• Verifying a new supplier or customer from the EU

• Preparing customs documentation for import or export

• Setting up new trading relationships with European businesses

• Confirming that an EORI no is still active and valid

• Checking your own EORI number status after registration

Regular validation ensures your trading partners have current, active EORI numbers. This prevents customs delays and documentation issues.

*Please be aware that Mercury is unable to apply for an EORI number on your behalf. You need to apply via the European country you are looking to sell to.