WHAT IS AN EORI NUMBER?

EORI number stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number. This is an identification number that businesses, or economic operators, must provide at Customs when making imports or exports.

In the UK, EORI numbers start with GB.

UK EORI numbers are different from EU EORI numbers. You can have two EORI numbers, one in the UK issued by HMRC and another one in the EU issued by an EU country.

Who needs an EORI:

You may need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number) if you move goods:

• between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Isle of Man and any other country (including the EU)

• between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• between Great Britain and the Channel Islands

• between Northern Ireland and countries outside the EU

You do not need an EORI number if you’re moving goods that are both:

• not controlled goods

• for personal use only

When you’ll need your EORI number:

You’ll need your EORI number if you:

• appoint someone to deal with customs on your behalf and are ‘established’ in the country you’re importing to or exporting from

• make customs declarations - check if you’re eligible to make a customs declaration

• use customs systems, such as the CHIEF system and the Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI)

• apply for a customs decision

Check which EORI number you need:

• Which type of EORI number you need and where you get it from depends on where you’re moving goods to and from. You may need more than one.

• If you do not have the right EORI number, you may have delays at customs and increased costs, for example your goods may have to be stored until you get an EORI.

If you’re moving goods to or from Great Britain:

If you move goods to or from Great Britain you must get an EORI number that starts with GB. If you already have an EORI number and it does not start with GB, you must apply for a GB EORI number.

If you’re moving goods to or from Northern Ireland:

You may also need an EORI number starting with XI if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland.

You do not need an EORI number starting with XI if you already have an EORI number from an EU country.

If your business will be making declarations or getting a customs decision in the EU:

To make a declaration or get a customs decision in the EU you will need either:

• an EORI number from an EU country

• an EORI number beginning with XI and a permanent business establishment in Northern Ireland

You will need to contact the customs authority in an EU country if you need an EU EORI number.

For more help & advice: Contact Us