Applying for an EORI number is free in all EU member states and the UK. The process varies by country, but generally involves submitting an online application to your national customs authority. This guide walks you through the general process and provides direct links to official application portals.
Before applying, ensure you meet the requirements: you must be an economic operator (business or individual) engaged in customs activities, and you should apply in the country where your business is established. If you're not established in the EU, apply in the country where you'll conduct your first customs operation.
While specific procedures vary by country, the EORI application process generally follows these steps across the EU and UK:
Before applying for a new EORI, verify that you don't already have one. Some countries automatically assign EORI numbers to VAT-registered businesses. Use the official EU or UK validation tools to check if an EORI already exists for your business.
Most applications require basic business information. Common requirements include:
Most EU countries now offer online application through their customs portal. Some still accept paper applications. Submit your application to the customs authority of the country where your business is established.
Processing times range from immediate (UK with VAT registration) to up to 3 weeks (Germany). Once approved, your EORI number is valid across all EU member states (or throughout the UK for GB/XI numbers) and does not expire under normal circumstances.
Below are direct links to the official customs authority portals where you can apply for an EORI number. Always use official government websites to avoid scams or unnecessary fees.
Since Brexit, UK businesses need to apply for EORI numbers through HMRC. The process is straightforward, especially for VAT-registered businesses.
If your business is VAT-registered in the UK, you may already have a GB EORI number that was automatically issued. Check using the online tool before applying. If not registered, the application takes up to 5 working days.
To get an XI EORI number for Northern Ireland trade, you must either be established in Northern Ireland or meet specific criteria for moving goods under the Windsor Framework. Apply through the same GOV.UK portal.
If your business is not established in the EU or UK but needs to engage in customs activities, you can still obtain an EORI number under certain conditions.
Non-EU businesses should apply for an EORI in the EU member state where they intend to conduct their first customs operation. If you have a fiscal representative or customs agent in the EU, they can advise on the best country for registration. Many non-EU businesses choose to register in major logistics hubs like the Netherlands or Belgium.
Follow these tips to ensure your EORI application is processed quickly and without issues:
