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What is an EORI number for EU shipping, and how do I get one?

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Who verified what, and when (sources open for check).

  1. Crossborder Tax Tool editorial

    Published a full Q page on EORI (not glossary-only). Claims limited to Commission/HMRC orientation; national portals differ.

    taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/… ↗www.gov.uk/eori ↗
Method & sources
Sources:EU VAT OSSEC EORIEuropean Commission — EORIHMRC — EORI
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📋 Direct Answer

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique ID for businesses that lodge customs declarations in the EU customs territory. Cross-border sellers usually need one when goods are imported into or exported from the EU under a customs procedure — it is not the same as a VAT number and is not packaging EPR registration. Non-EU businesses typically apply to the customs authority of the member state where they first lodge a customs declaration; always confirm the current national portal. Use the European Commission EORI guidance as the primary reference.

3
Requirements
Usually free to apply (national portals)
Est. Total Cost
Often days to a few weeks
Timeline

EU €150 import check

Orient import VAT treatment for low-value shipments

Open EU €150 import check →
ℹ️GOOD TO KNOW

EORI rules and portals are national even though the identifier is EU-wide in concept.

Applying in the wrong country or using a VAT ID on customs forms can delay clearance.

🛡️ Prevention Steps

  • ✓Start from the European Commission EORI page and follow the national link for your first declaration country
  • ✓Store EORI separately from VAT and marketplace tax IDs

Item by Item

InfoWhat EORI is (and is not)
N/AReference
  1. 1EORI identifies economic operators in EU customs systems and appears on customs declarations
  2. 2It is separate from VAT registration numbers used for charging and reporting VAT
  3. 3It does not replace packaging EPR (for example LUCID) or product-safety registrations
  4. 4Having an EORI does not by itself mean you may sell without VAT or marketplace tax setup
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If applicableWho typically needs an EORI
N/ABefore first customs declaration
  1. 1Importers/exporters lodging EU customs declarations usually need a valid EORI
  2. 2Sellers using certain fulfilment or import models may be asked for EORI by carriers, brokers or marketplaces
  3. 3Pure domestic intra-EU B2C with no customs declaration may not need EORI — confirm your goods flow
  4. 4UK has a separate post-Brexit EORI process (HMRC) if you declare in the UK
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RequiredHow to apply (high level)
Usually free at national customs portalsVaries by member state
  1. 1Identify the EU country of first customs declaration (or follow the Commission’s allocation rules for your case)
  2. 2Apply via that country’s customs EORI portal with company identification documents
  3. 3Keep the EORI on file for brokers, IOSS/import filings and marketplace requests
  4. 4Re-check the official European Commission EORI page for links to national systems

Common Mistakes

❌ Using a VAT number where an EORI is required on the customs declaration

💥 Consequence: Declarations can be rejected and goods delayed at the border.

✅ Fix: Keep EORI and VAT numbers separate; ask your broker which field is required.

❌ Assuming EORI replaces IOSS or OSS VAT setup

💥 Consequence: Customs ID and VAT collection schemes solve different problems.

✅ Fix: Map customs flow (EORI) and VAT scheme (OSS/IOSS/local) on separate checklists.

Next Steps

HighConfirm whether your goods flow creates an EU (or UK) customs declarationBefore first import/export
HighApply for EORI via the correct national customs portalBefore declaration

Start a free compliance self-check

Continue →

Related Tools

EU €150 import checkOrient import VAT treatment for low-value shipmentsOSS / IOSS path routerVAT scheme orientation for EU B2C flows

Related Questions

• What is IOSS for EU shipping, and do I need it for low-value imports?• When do I need to register for VAT in the EU?• When do non-EU sellers need an EU fiscal representative?
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Sources

  • • European Commission — EORI
  • • HMRC — Get an EORI number (UK)

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.