What the EORI database holds
The data the Commission guidance says is stored for each EORI number, which fields are optional, who controls the data and what the public checker shows.
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.
Who keeps it
The Commission runs a central database that replicates the national records. Each Member State enters and updates the data for the operators it registered and is the controller of that data under data protection law. The public checker is an interface to this database (guidance).
Mandatory fields
The guidance lists these as required for upload:
- The EORI number.
- The full name, with a field of up to 512 characters.
- The address of establishment or residence: street, postcode, city and country code.
- Whether the person is established in the EU.
- The VAT identification number or numbers assigned to the registered person.
- The consent to publication.
- A short name, up to 70 characters.
- Start and expiry dates.
Optional or national fields
Legal status, contact information, a third-country unique identifier, the date of establishment or birth, the type of person (natural, legal or association) and the NACE activity code are optional or left to each Member State.
What the public sees
The public interface checks whether a number is active. It shows the name and address only if the holder consented to publication. Consent must be given in written form and can be withdrawn. The data subject keeps the rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction and portability set out in the guidance (guidance).
What the database is not
- Not a list of companies. You cannot search it for businesses by activity.
- Not a verification of an address. Addresses in customs declarations are not validated against the database.
- Not a ranking or a certificate. A valid number says the holder is registered. It does not say the business is reliable.
What this site does with it
Nothing. We do not query the database, store numbers or transmit what you type. The format checker tests the shape of a number in your browser only.
Spotted an outdated EORI rule? Report an outdated rule