Where an EORI number is used

Where the Commission guidance says an EORI number must appear: declarations, summary declarations, carnets, excise, AEO and intellectual property enforcement.

1 min to read / Rules to be read again by 2027-01-19

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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.

The general rule

Once granted, the number must be used in all customs transactions and activities in the EU where an identifier is required (guidance). It is mandatory or conditional in many data fields of declarations and summary declarations, for roles such as declarant, importer, carrier, consignor and consignee. The guidance sets out the requirement for each role in tables; we have not reproduced the box numbers.

Other uses the guidance names

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). An EORI number is required to obtain AEO facilitations and appears on the application.
Excise. It is used for movements of excise goods under duty suspension.
Intellectual property. An applicant who seeks customs action against goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights must register.
Carnets. For ATA and CPD carnets the number goes in specified boxes (box A for ATA, box 1 for CPD). Carnet covers should not show it.

Things the number is not

Not an ad hoc number. Ad hoc numbers are not EORI numbers and cannot be used in summary declarations.
Not a third-country identifier. Third-country unique identifiers can be used where a recognised trader partnership programme applies, alongside the rules for EORI.
Not a validation of the address. Addresses in customs declarations are not checked against the EORI database.

Summary declarations

The guidance says a summary declaration that carries an EORI number should not also include a name or address.

Late applications

Late applications can delay processing, because new numbers may not yet be available in the electronic systems. This is why the Commission advises applying before customs activity starts.

Declarations are separate. This page does not explain how to complete a customs declaration. For that, use the customs authority's own instructions.

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