EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It's a unique identification number assigned to businesses and individuals trading goods with countries in the EU and/or the UK. The EORI number is used by customs officials to track imports and exports, process declarations, and monitor compliance.

Think of it as your business’s passport for European customs - without it, your shipment gets stuck at the border.

How Is the EORI Number Structured?

• EU EORI: Usually starts with a country code (such as DE for Germany or FR for France) followed by a unique number.
• UK EORI (post-Brexit): Begins with 'GB' for trade with UK customs, or 'XI' for goods to/from Northern Ireland.

You need an EORI if you:

• Import goods into the EU or UK (from outside their respective customs zones)
• Export goods from the EU or UK to countries outside those markets
• Move goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries (including Great Britain)
• Lodge a customs declaration, apply for a customs decision, or use customs to process/transit goods

Both companies and individuals can be required to obtain one if involved in commercial import/export. Even if you’re only importing a one-off container of specialty food or shipping coffee samples, you’ll often need an EORI.

Examples:

• A Vietnamese food exporter sending coffee to Germany needs an (EU) EORI number - either their own or via a local importer/agent.
• An Australian distributor importing snacks into the UK after Brexit needs a UK EORI.
• Online retailers (including those using fulfillment services) must have EORI numbers for smooth customs processing.

Customs clearance: Customs declarations for imports/exports must include your EORI. Missing it causes immediate delays and possible fines.

Tracking & compliance: Customs uses the number to monitor trade, inspect shipments, and prevent fraud.

Legal requirement: It’s mandatory for customs activity; most freight forwarders won’t process your cargo without it.

VAT & invoicing: The EORI links customs activities to your VAT number - crucial for correct tax payments and refunds.

The process is free and straightforward, but varies slightly EU vs. UK.

For the EU

1. Check with your country’s customs. Each EU member state manages its own EORI registry.

2. Apply online or by form.

• Businesses often use their national VAT number as the base for the EORI.
• Individuals may need to provide legal documents or ID.

3. Processing time: Often same-day, but allow 2-5 working days for activation and confirmation.

For the UK

1. Go to the UK Government EORI application page.
2. Log in with your Government Gateway ID and complete the form (takes ~10 minutes).
3. Receive your number, usually within a few hours.
Note: If doing business with Northern Ireland, you may also need an “XI” EORI in addition to “GB.”

• Delays: Customs will not clear your goods; hold-ups can mean spoiled perishable cargo, lost opportunities, or even extra storage costs.
• Penalties: Repeated failure to use an EORI can result in customs fines.
• Missed VAT refunds: Unregistered traders may find it hard to reclaim VAT or solve paperwork errors.

Pro tip: Even small trial shipments usually need an EORI. Don’t wait until your goods are at the border!

If you’re dealing with food, the stakes are even higher. Shipments of coffee, chocolate, or snacks are often perishable and subject to additional inspections (for safety, origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc). No EORI? Customs can’t process your import declaration, meaning delays that may spoil your goods - and cost your business.

To avoid such issues, check out our guide to smooth customs clearance for UK imports for step-by-step tips.

1. Do I need a new EORI for each EU country?
No. An EORI issued in one EU country is valid throughout the full EU customs territory.

2. Does Brexit affect EORI numbers?
Yes. UK and EU EORI numbers are now separate. For UK-EU trade, you may need both a GB and an EU EORI.

3. Can my freight forwarder use their EORI?
Some freight agents offer to use their number, but it’s best practice to apply for your own so the customs record ties to your business. This ensures you receive proper VAT and compliance records.

4. Is the EORI public?
Parts of the EORI info are searchable on the EU customs portal for verification.

An EORI number might just be a short code, but it’s the key to unlocking European markets for your goods. Don’t let paperwork hold up your shipments - apply early and keep your documentation up to date. If you’re planning to import or export food products like coffee, chocolate, or snacks, work with experienced suppliers who can help with EORI and all the required customs paperwork.

MR.VIET offers export-ready Vietnamese goods and provides support with documentation and logistics, helping you avoid surprises at the border.