What is an EORI Number?
An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier assigned by customs authorities in the European Union (EU) to businesses and individuals involved in the import, export, or transit of goods. This number is essential for tracking and managing customs information within the EU and for interactions with non-EU countries.
Why Do You Need an EORI Number?
If you are involved in any international trade within or outside the EU, an EORI number is necessary for:
Customs Declarations: When importing or exporting goods, an EORI number is required to submit customs declarations.
Tracking Shipments: It helps customs authorities monitor and track shipments entering or leaving the EU.
Simplified Procedures: It facilitates faster customs clearance and processing.
Compliance: It ensures you comply with EU customs regulations, avoiding delays, fines, or penalties.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
Businesses: Any company based in the EU, or doing business with the EU, that deals with the import, export, or transit of goods must have an EORI number.
Individuals: Private individuals engaging in trade activities, such as importing or exporting goods for commercial purposes, also need an EORI number.
Non-EU Companies: If you are a non-EU business dealing with EU customs, you need an EORI number to interact with EU customs authorities.
What Happens if an EORI Number is Not Included on Customs Documents?
If an EORI number is not used for a shipment, several negative consequences can occur, primarily related to customs clearance.
Customs Delays: The shipment may be held up at customs, causing significant delays. Customs authorities require an EORI number to process the shipment, and without it, the goods cannot be cleared for entry into the destination country.
Additional Costs: The shipment may incur additional costs, such as storage fees at customs facilities, penalties, or fines. In some cases, customs authorities might require the importer to provide the EORI number retroactively, which could involve further administrative costs.
Return or Rejection of Shipment: If the EORI number is not provided within a certain timeframe, the shipment might be returned to the sender or even rejected entirely, depending on the regulations of the destination country.
Legal and Compliance Issues: The absence of an EORI number can lead to non-compliance with customs regulations, which might result in legal action, fines, or sanctions against the importer or exporter.
Inability to Import or Export: In some cases, the shipment might not be allowed to enter or leave the country at all without a valid EORI number, effectively halting the trade transaction.
The EORI number is essential for identifying economic operators within the European Union and is used in all customs activities, including importing and exporting goods. Without it, customs authorities cannot process the shipment correctly, leading to the issues mentioned above.
How to Apply for an EORI Number
The process for obtaining an EORI number depends on whether you're in the EU or outside of it:
EU-Based Companies/Individuals:
Register Online: Visit your country's customs authority website. Most EU countries provide an online application form.
Submit Necessary Documents: You may need to provide proof of your business, such as a tax identification number, company registration details, or personal identification if you are an individual.
Receive Your EORI Number: Once your application is approved, your EORI number will be issued. This process typically takes a few days.
Non-EU Companies/Individuals:
Determine the Member State: Choose the EU member state where you will first be interacting with customs.
Apply Through That Country's Customs Authority: Submit your application through that specific country's customs website, providing relevant documentation.
Receive Your EORI Number: Once approved, the EORI number will be valid across all EU member states.
Structure of an EORI Number
An EORI number usually consists of a country code followed by a unique identifier, often your VAT (Value Added Tax) number. For example:
Example for a UK Company: GB123456789000
Example for a Portugal Company: PT123456789
The first two letters represent the country code, followed by a unique number specific to the business or individual.
Using Your EORI Number
Once obtained, your EORI number must be used in all customs declarations and communications with customs authorities in the EU. This includes:
Import and export documentation
Customs clearance processes
Communication with logistics providers
Invoices and commercial paperwork related to cross-border trade