What is an EORI Number?

What is an EORI number?

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identifier used across the EU and the UK to track businesses involved in importing or exporting physical goods. It is issued by the customs authority of the country where the business is established and is required on all customs declarations.

EORI numbers were introduced by the EU in 2009 to replace a patchwork of national customs identifiers. After Brexit, the UK introduced its own GB-prefixed EORI system through HMRC, while Northern Ireland uses XI-prefixed numbers to reflect its continued alignment with EU customs rules.

Who needs an EORI number?

You need an EORI number if you:

• Import physical goods into the EU or UK from a non-EU/non-UK country
• Export physical goods from the EU or UK to a non-EU/non-UK country
• Are named as importer or exporter on a customs declaration (even if a freight agent handles the paperwork)
• Act as a customs agent making declarations on behalf of other businesses
• Store goods in a bonded warehouse or customs warehouse

You do not need an EORI number if you:

• Only sell or buy digital goods and services (no physical customs border)
• Move goods exclusively within the EU single market (no customs declarations required)
• Use a customs agent who handles declarations under their own EORI — though you may still need your own for AEO status or high-value shipments

EORI number format

An EORI number always starts with a 2-letter ISO country code followed by up to 15 alphanumeric characters. The total length is 3–17 characters. Most countries use purely numeric digits after the country prefix; a few use alphanumeric strings.

There is no checksum in the EORI number itself — format validation confirms the structure is plausible, but only a live lookup against the customs registry confirms whether the number actually exists.

UK EORI vs. VAT number

In the UK, your EORI number is related to your VAT number but is not the same thing. HMRC derives your EORI from your VAT number by prefixing it with GB and zero-padding to 12 digits:

• VAT number: 123456789
• EORI number: GB123456789000

If your business is not VAT-registered, HMRC will assign a separate 12-digit number. Non-VAT businesses can still obtain an EORI — registration does not require VAT registration.

How to apply for an EORI number

United Kingdom

Apply online at gov.uk/eori. Most applications are processed within 5–7 working days; in some cases HMRC issues the number within 24 hours. You will need your Government Gateway credentials and VAT registration number (if applicable).

European Union

Applications are submitted to the customs authority of the EU member state where your business is established. Each country has its own online portal:

• Germany: Zollkunden-Portal (zoll.de)
• France: Pro.douane (douane.gouv.fr)
• Netherlands: Douane website (belastingdienst.nl/douane)
• Other EU countries: Contact your national customs authority

Processing times vary by country but typically range from a few days to two weeks.

How to verify an EORI number

Two official APIs cover the full geographic scope:

• EU SOAP service — validates any EU-27 EORI number and, where the operator has consented to disclosure, returns their registered name and address.
• HMRC REST API — validates GB and XI EORI numbers, with optional trader name and address where the operator has opted in.

Both services are free and require no authentication. The Versys EORI checker uses both automatically depending on the country prefix — EU numbers go to the EU service, GB/XI numbers go to HMRC.

Note that operator details (name, address) are only returned if the business has explicitly consented to public disclosure. For many businesses the registry confirms validity but returns no contact details — this is normal and expected.