What Is an EORI Number and Why Your Business Needs One for EU Trade

When discussing the world of international commerce, one thing is certain: regulatory compliance is not just a formality, but a necessity. Whether you’re a logistics provider, Amazon seller, or an import/export business, the undeniable truth is that navigating the EU's cross-border trade system means dealing with customs, documentation, and tax authorities. An EORI number is an essential component in this process. 

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier. It is used by EU customs authorities to track and register businesses and individuals involved in the movement of goods across EU borders. Without this number, it is virtually impossible to clear goods through EU customs.

With the European Union continuing to enforce strict compliance procedures for goods entering or leaving its customs territory, the need to have a valid EORI number has never been more critical. With this unique identifier, your business can legally lodge import/export declarations, communicate with customs authorities, and participate in key tax schemes like the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) and One Stop Shop (OSS).

This article is essentially designed for:

1. Importers and exporters moving goods in and out of the EU.

2. Ecommerce businesses (including Amazon FBA and Shopify sellers) shipping products to European customers.

3. Non-EU companies setting up fulfillment or customs processes within the EU.

4. Logistics providers, customs agents, and supply chain consultants working with EU-bound shipments.

   
   

If you fall into one of these categories and are looking to grow or streamline your EU operations, understanding what an EORI number is and why it matters will save you time, avoid costly delays, and keep your business compliant with EU trade law.

What Is an EORI Number?

The Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, abbreviated as EORI, is a unique identification number assigned by a customs authority to businesses and individuals involved in importing or exporting goods within or into the European Union (EU) or the United Kingdom (UK). 

You need it for all customs-related activities, including but not limited to lodging import/export declarations, requesting customs rulings, and communicating with customs officials.

If you are still a little lost, it would help to think of the EORI number as your official passport for EU trade. Without it, your enterprise cannot interact with the EU or UK customs systems. What this essentially means is that your shipments could be delayed, rejected, or even fined.

How Does the EORI Number Work?

Well, when you import or export goods, customs authorities use the EORI number to:

• Identify the economic operator involved in the transaction.

• Maintain traceability and compliance records.

• Share information across EU member states.

• Connect the customs profile of that business to VAT numbers, licenses, and declarations.

This system is part of the EU’s goal to simplify and harmonize customs procedures across all member states, improving both efficiency and security.

EORI Number Format

An EORI number is structured in a standardized format that begins with the two-letter country code of the issuing EU member state or the UK, followed by a unique identifier (often the business's VAT number or a customs-generated number).

Let’s look at a few examples:

• Germany (DE): DE123456789

• France (FR): FR98765432100019

• United Kingdom (GB): GB123456789000

  
  

In a situation where a firm is established in more than one country, it may need to apply for an EORI number in each relevant jurisdiction, depending on where customs interactions occur.

Important Note for UK Traders: Since Brexit, UK EORI numbers (starting with GB) are no longer valid for EU customs procedures. UK firms trading with the EU must apply for an EU EORI number through the customs authority of the first EU country where goods are imported or exported. 

Who Needs an EORI Number?

An EORI number is a legal requirement, especially if your business is engaged in any form of cross-border trade with the European Union (EU) or the United Kingdom (UK). It is mandatory.  Whether you're shipping bulk cargo, selling online to EU customers, or simply acting as an intermediary, it serves as your gateway to compliant and uninterrupted operations

That said,  who needs an EORI number? Let’s break it down

1. Businesses Importing or Exporting Goods to/from the EU or UK

If your company ships goods into or out of the EU or UK, you must have a valid EORI number. It essentially makes it possible for you to:

• Lodge customs declarations.

• Interact with customs systems (e.g. CHIEF or CDS in the UK, or ICS in the EU).

• Access import/export licenses and permits.

• Facilitate border clearance procedures.

  
  

This applies to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers moving physical products, whether B2B or B2C.

2. Online Sellers Using Fulfillment Centers in the EU

You are considered the importer or exporter of record if you sell through platforms like Amazon (FBA), eBay, Shopify, or Etsy. This applies when your goods are stored or shipped via EU-based fulfillment centers. Your location outside the EU does not change this designation.

In such cases, you need an EORI number to:

• Receive and dispatch stock across EU borders.

• Submit customs documents for inbound shipments.

• Register for VAT schemes such as the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS).

3. Non-EU Businesses Selling into the EU

Non-EU established businesses (including the UK, the US, China, and other third-world countries) that sell goods to EU consumers or import products into the EU also require an EU EORI number. This is particularly important for:

• DTC brands shipping orders into the EU.

• Companies using customs brokers or fiscal representatives in Europe.

• Sellers needing to register for OSS/IOSS for simplified VAT compliance.

You will generally need to apply for your EORI number from the first EU country where your goods enter the union.

Logistics Providers, Customs Agents & Freight Forwarders

Any intermediary that handles the movement or declaration of goods on behalf of another company, such as:

• Freight forwarders

• Customs brokers

• 3PLs (Third-Party Logistics Providers)

• Warehousing services

  
  

…also needs to obtain an EORI number to interact with EU or UK customs systems and act on behalf of clients. Some may require multiple numbers depending on the countries in which they operate.

Do I Need More Than One EORI Number?

No. You only need one per customs territory:

• One EU EORI number (valid in all EU member states).

• One UK EORI number (valid only in the UK).

However, non-EU businesses trading in both territories will need two separate EORI numbers, one from the UK and one from an EU country.

Why Is an EORI Number Important for EU Trade?

An EORI number plays an extremely important role in ensuring that your cross-border shipments move smoothly through customs and remain fully compliant with EU regulations. Without it, your goods may be held up, rejected, or even fined, affecting not only your customers but also your costs and your reputation.

So why is having an EORI number essential for EU trade?

1. Required for All Customs Declarations and Clearance

It is not optional. The EORI number is legally mandatory for businesses and individuals involved in importing or exporting goods to or from the EU and UK. It must be included on all official customs documents such as:

• Import and export declarations.

• Customs clearance forms.

• Entry and exit summary declarations.

• Applications for customs decisions (like Authorised Economic Operator status).

  
  

Without a valid EORI number, customs authorities cannot identify your business in the system, which means your goods won’t be cleared.

2. Prevents Costly Shipment Delays and Penalties

Customs processes are increasingly automated and time-sensitive. An EORI number is instrumental in:

• Speeding up border clearance by allowing customs systems to automatically identify your business.

• Helping to avoid administrative delays and miscommunications.

• Reducing the risk of fines or returned shipments due to incomplete or non-compliant filings.

• 
  

For e-commerce sellers using Amazon FBA or EU fulfillment centers, delays can trigger:

• Stock outages.

• Poor customer feedback.

• Suspended marketplace listings.

3. Enables VAT Compliance and Audit-Ready Record-Keeping

An EORI number is closely tied to VAT and tax reporting. It is required to:

• Register for schemes like the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) and One Stop Shop (OSS).

• Correctly identify the importer of record for VAT and customs duty purposes.

• Align customs entries with VAT returns and intra-EU transaction reports.

  
  

This ensures your business:

• Pays the right amount of VAT.

• Qualifies for VAT refunds or exemptions;

• Remains audit-compliant with both national tax authorities and the EU.

4. Centralizes Customs Activity Across EU Member States

   
   

When you have an EU EORI number, it is valid across all 27 EU countries. This makes it much easier to:

• Trade freely within the EU Single Market.

• Move goods between fulfillment hubs in different EU countries.

• File EU-wide customs applications and licenses (e.g., binding tariff rulings).

  
  

Instead of registering in every EU country you trade with, one EORI number allows customs authorities across the EU to identify your business centrally.

In essence, whether you’re an Amazon seller in the US or a logistics provider in the UK, your EORI number is a non-negotiable requirement for success in the EU.

How Global Trade Business Can Help

There is no denying that navigating the complexities of customs regulations, EORI numbers, and VAT compliance across multiple EU member states can be overwhelming. This is especially for non-EU businesses unfamiliar with local procedures and languages. That’s where Global Trade Business (GTB) comes in.

Trusted EORI Registration Experts

At Global Trade Business, we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes (importers, online sellers, logistics providers, and non-EU entities) secure the right EORI number quickly and correctly. Whether you're launching in one country or scaling across multiple EU markets, our team ensures that your EORI registration is:

• Accurate and compliant with EU and UK customs requirements.

• Linked correctly to your VAT registration or IOSS scheme.

• Processed with minimal delays or red tape.

  
  

Fast, Efficient Processing Across 30+ Countries

We’ve built a strong network of local customs agents and tax representatives, allowing us to provide:

• Support in over 30 EU and non-EU jurisdictions.

• Fast-track registration for UK and EU EORI numbers.

• Guidance on first point of entry rules and how to select the right country for registration

• Multilingual support to help you navigate national tax portals and authorities.

Whether you’re a US-based Shopify seller, a UK Amazon FBA trader, a Canadian distributoror Asian traders, expanding into France or Germany, we’ve done it before, and we can do it for you.

End-to-End Customs & VAT Solutions

Our EORI services are often combined with:

• IOSS and OSS registration for e-commerce sellers.

• VAT ID registration and ongoing filings.

• Ongoing EU trade compliance support.

• Customs representation and guidance for freight forwarders and 3PLs.

With Global Trade Business, you don’t just get a registration, you get a trade partner.

To sum it up, obtaining an EORI number is a fundamental step for businesses engaged in EU trade. It ensures compliance with customs regulations, facilitates smoother operations, and opens the door to various VAT schemes that can simplify your tax obligations. Partnering with experts like Global Trade Business Limited can streamline this process, allowing you to focus on growing your international business.

Ready to get started? Book a call with our team today to discuss your EORI registration and EU trade compliance needs.