What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a customs identification number used by businesses involved in importing or exporting goods.
A valid EORI number is commonly needed when moving goods between Great Britain and other countries. The type of EORI required depends on where the business is established and where the goods are moving.
An EORI number is not the same as a company registration number, a VAT number, a Unique Taxpayer Reference, an import licence or a customs declaration.
Who may need an EORI number?
A business may need an EORI number if it:
- Imports goods into Great Britain
- Exports goods from Great Britain
- Makes customs declarations
- Uses a customs agent or freight forwarder
- Applies for customs authorisations
- Operates a trading, wholesale or manufacturing business
- Moves commercial goods across applicable customs borders
- Runs an e-commerce business importing stock
A service-only business that does not move physical goods will not normally need an EORI solely because it owns a UK company.
Which EORI number may be required?
A business carrying out customs activities in Great Britain will commonly require an EORI beginning with GB.
Certain movements involving Northern Ireland may require an EORI beginning with XI. Depending on the trading route, a business may need more than one customs identifier.
- Where the company is established
- Where the goods enter or leave
- Whether the movement involves Great Britain or Northern Ireland
- Who makes the customs declaration
- The company's intended customs activities
Reduce preventable customs delays.
Without the appropriate EORI number:
- Customs declarations may be delayed
- Freight agents may be unable to act
- Goods may be held
- Storage costs may arise
- Customer orders may be disrupted
- Supply chains may be affected
GOV.UK warns that not having the correct EORI can lead to customs delays and additional costs.
An EORI does not replace customs declarations, commodity codes, import licences, customs duties, import VAT or product compliance requirements.
Our EORI Registration Service includes
- Initial review of the intended customs activity
- Guidance on the likely EORI route
- Review of company details
- Required-information checklist
- Application preparation support
- Submission assistance
- Support with reasonable follow-up questions relating to the application
- Confirmation of the outcome when received
HMRC determines eligibility and processing times. A GB EORI may be issued immediately, but applications requiring additional checks can take longer. Official guidance states that additional checks may take up to five working days.
Information we may request
- Legal company name
- Company registration number
- Registered office address
- Unique Taxpayer Reference
- VAT number, where applicable
- Director or authorised contact details
- Description of business activities
- Intended imports or exports
- Countries involved
- Details of the goods
- Existing Government Gateway details, where relevant
EORI registration — your questions answered.
Does every company need an EORI?+
No. It is generally relevant to businesses involved in importing, exporting or customs activities.
Does an EORI guarantee customs clearance?+
No. All customs declarations, duty, VAT, licensing and product requirements must still be satisfied.
Is an EORI the same as a VAT number?+
No. They serve separate purposes.
Can a non-UK resident apply?+
Potentially, but the route depends on where the business is established and what customs activities it undertakes.
How quickly is the number issued?+
Some GB EORI applications are completed immediately. Applications requiring HMRC checks may take longer — official guidance states additional checks may take up to five working days.
Continue building your UK company.
Prepare Your Business for International Trade
Apply for the correct EORI before moving goods to reduce preventable customs disruption.
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