What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. What it identifies, who issues it and why customs asks for it.
1 min to read / Rules to be read again by 2027-01-18
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.
Definition
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) identifies economic operators and other persons in dealings with customs. The Commission says it is mandatory for the clearance of all types of customs operations in the EU customs territory, including import, export and transit (European Commission).
Structure
A two-letter code for the country that issued the number, followed by an identifier that is unique within that country. The identifier can be up to 15 alphanumeric characters (European Commission). Details by country are on Formats by country.
What it is used for
The Commission lists the EORI number as the identifier that operators give customs authorities in every EU country for customs operations. It is also used for statistical and security purposes, and the Commission points to more efficient customs clearance as a benefit (European Commission).
Does it expire?
No. The number has no expiry date. It can be made invalid at the holder's request or when the business stops trading. After that, the recorded EORI data is kept for 10 years, according to the same page.
One person, one number
A person can hold only one valid EORI number at a time, and only one customs authority can assign it; the application country check works out which one.
Where the official checks live
The Commission offers EU-level tools for validating a number and for finding the competent registration authority. It also publishes a guidance document in English (text dated 30 August 2023) and an e-learning course. Our checking guide explains how to use them in practice.
What it is not
The page you are reading does not tell you whether a specific number is registered. For that, see How to check an EORI number.
Spotted an outdated EORI rule? Report an outdated rule