When an EORI check goes wrong
Common reasons an EORI check fails, from the wrong service to formatting and consent, and what the official sources say to do about each.
2 min to read / Rules to be read again by 2027-01-19
What the EORI guide does: 8 tools
- EORI number checker type a GB, XI or EU number and see at once whether its prefix, length and characters fit the published rules.
- Check a list of EORI numbers paste up to 500 numbers from a spreadsheet and get a reason, a suggested fix and the right official service for every row.
- Compare an EORI with a UK VAT number see whether the first nine digits of a GB or XI number match the holder's VAT number, as HMRC says they should.
- Which EORI number do I need? say where you are based and what you will move, and learn whether you need a GB, an XI or an EU number.
- EORI number formats by country type how many characters your number has and see which of the 29 prefixes allow that length.
- Do I need an EORI number? answer four questions about who you are and how often you make customs declarations to see whether you must register.
- Where to apply for an EORI number pick your situation and see which customs authority issues the number, with a link to the official list of authorities.
- How long an EORI number lasts enter the date a number stopped being valid and see the earliest date its record can be deleted, ten years on.
Quick guide
| What you see | Likely reason, from the sources | What the sources say to do |
|---|---|---|
| The service rejects a GB number in the EU tool, or an EU number in the GB tool | Each tool covers different prefixes | Use the GB checker for GB numbers and the EU checker for XI and EU numbers (HMRC) |
| "Not long enough" or "too long" | HMRC's pattern: GB and XI have the prefix plus 12 or 15 digits; EU numbers 3 to 17 characters | Check the number against the holder's paperwork (HMRC pattern) |
| Wrong country code | HMRC's pattern shows this error when the prefix does not belong to that service | Re-check the prefix |
| The number is valid but no name appears | The holder has not agreed to disclosure | Ask the business; the holder can update consent (HMRC) |
| "Invalid" | The sources do not say why. The Commission page says a number can be invalidated at request or when activity ceases | Ask the business, or the registering authority (search) |
| A new number is not found | The guidance says new numbers may not yet be in the electronic systems | Wait and try again; late applications can delay processing |
Spaces and capitals
HMRC's input pattern accepts a number with or without spaces and in either case. The format checker on this site also ignores spaces, dots and hyphens and turns letters into capitals before testing.
A note on length
HMRC's guidance gives the normal format as GB plus 12 digits, with an XI number using the same digits (HMRC). Its input pattern also allows 15 digits, so the format checker accepts both, to avoid rejecting a valid number.
Similar-looking identifiers
A VAT number, an ad hoc number and a third-country identifier are not EORI numbers. The guidance says ad hoc numbers cannot be used in summary declarations.
Still stuck
Contact the customs authority that issued the number. For a GB number, that is HMRC, and for an EU number the registering authority of the EU country.
Spotted an outdated EORI rule? Report an outdated rule