What Is an EORI Number?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals that import or export goods in or out of the UK, EU, or other participating countries. It is used by customs authorities to track and record customs declarations and movements of goods.
Think of it as your business's customs ID. Without it, you cannot legally lodge a customs declaration — meaning your goods cannot clear customs, and shipments will be held at the border.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
You need an EORI number if your business:
- Imports goods into the UK or EU from outside those territories
- Exports goods from the UK or EU
- Moves goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in certain circumstances
- Applies for customs authorisations or approvals (such as inward processing or customs warehousing)
- Acts as a customs agent or freight forwarder submitting declarations on behalf of others
Even if you use a customs broker to handle your declarations, the EORI number must be registered to your business — you can't simply use someone else's.
UK EORI vs EU EORI
Post-Brexit, the UK and EU operate separate EORI systems:
| UK EORI | EU EORI | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | GB + 12 digits (e.g., GB123456789000) | Country code + up to 15 alphanumeric characters |
| Issued by | HMRC (UK) | Customs authority of an EU member state |
| Used for | UK customs declarations | EU customs declarations |
| Recognised in the other territory? | No (since Brexit) | No (since Brexit) |
If your business trades with both the UK and the EU, you will need both a UK EORI and an EU EORI. EU EORIs are issued by the customs authority of any EU member state — you don't need to be established in that country in all cases, but rules vary.
How to Get a UK EORI Number
Applying for a UK EORI number is free and relatively straightforward. You can apply online through the HMRC website (search "Get an EORI number" on gov.uk). You will need:
- Your UK VAT number (if you are VAT-registered)
- Your National Insurance number (for sole traders) or company registration number (for limited companies)
- The date your business was established
- Your business address
If you are VAT-registered, your EORI number will typically be issued within a few hours. Non-VAT-registered businesses may take up to 5 business days. The number is usually your VAT number prefixed with "GB" and followed by "000."
What Happens If You Don't Have an EORI Number?
Without an EORI number, your customs declarations cannot be submitted, and your goods will not be released from the border. This can result in:
- Goods being held in a customs examination facility, accruing storage charges
- Delivery delays to your customers or your production line
- Potential return of goods at your expense
- In some cases, goods being seized if they appear to be attempting to circumvent customs controls
EORI and Customs Brokers
Many small businesses use a customs broker or freight forwarder to manage their customs declarations. Even so, the EORI number on the import or export declaration must be your business's own EORI — not the broker's. The broker acts as your representative, but the legal importer of record (and the party liable for the duty) is identified by the EORI number.
Key Points to Remember
- An EORI number is mandatory for any business importing or exporting from the UK or EU.
- Applying is free — beware of third-party websites that charge for this service.
- If you trade with both the UK and EU, you need both a UK and an EU EORI.
- Apply before you need it — don't wait until a shipment is arriving at the border.
- Keep your EORI details up to date if your business address or structure changes.
Getting your EORI number sorted is one of the simplest steps in setting up your business for international trade — and one of the most important.