Shipcloud Blog Understanding EORI Numbers: a complete guide

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="2" top_padding="2" bottom_padding="0" back_color="white" overlay_alpha="100" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="0" z_index="0" changer_back_color="yes" row_height_use_pixel="" uncode_shortcode_id="126980" back_color_type="uncode-palette"][vc_column column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="4" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" zoom_width="0" zoom_height="0" uncode_shortcode_id="124855"][vc_row_inner limit_content=""][vc_column_inner column_width_percent="100" gutter_size="3" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="185581"][vc_single_image dynamic="yes" media_width_percent="100" media_ratio="two-one" shape="img-round" radius="xs" uncode_shortcode_id="149948"][vc_empty_space empty_h="0"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="2" top_padding="0" bottom_padding="0" back_color="white" overlay_alpha="100" gutter_size="3" column_width_percent="100" shift_y="-5" z_index="1" changer_back_color="yes" row_height_use_pixel="" uncode_shortcode_id="295188" back_color_type="uncode-palette"][vc_column column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="4" override_padding="yes" column_padding="0" style="light" font_family="font-805215" back_color="white" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" zoom_width="0" zoom_height="0" uncode_shortcode_id="521845" column_width_pixel="850" back_color_type="uncode-palette"][vc_row_inner limit_content=""][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="2" override_padding="yes" column_padding="0" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="448920" column_width_pixel="625" css=".vc_custom_1648407581735{padding-top: 72px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text_color="accent" heading_semantic="div" text_font="font-805215" text_size="" text_weight="500" text_space="fontspace-178011" uncode_shortcode_id="428356" text_color_type="uncode-palette"]Blog[/vc_custom_heading][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic="h1" uncode_shortcode_id="180567"]Understanding EORI Numbers: a complete guide[/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_lead="yes" uncode_shortcode_id="353960" el_class="pt-0"]In today's globalised economy, businesses of all sizes are increasingly engaged in international trade. Navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions requires adherence to various regulations and standards, one of the most crucial being the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. Whether you're a seasoned importer/exporter or just venturing into the realm of international commerce, understanding the significance of an EORI number is essential. This unique identifier streamlines customs processes, ensures compliance, and ultimately facilitates smoother trade operations within the European Union (EU). In this article, we'll explore what EORI numbers are, how to find them, their history and how you can request one for your business. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0" z_index="0" limit_content="" uncode_shortcode_id="197665" el_id="Negotiate-with-Carriers-to-Secure-Favorable-Rates"][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="2" override_padding="yes" column_padding="0" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="106750" column_width_pixel="625" el_id="pre-christmas-shipping"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="130368"]What are EORI numbers? [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_lead="yes" uncode_shortcode_id="809749"]EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) numbers are unique identifiers used by businesses involved in customs activities within the European Union (EU). The primary purpose of an EORI number is to track and facilitate the import and export of goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and simplifying the process of cross-border trade. This system enhances the efficiency of customs procedures by providing a standardised method of identifying economic operators across EU member states, reducing paperwork, and streamlining operations. It is mandatory to put this number on an import or export declaration. Important note: EORI numbers are only there for legal entities. Does your branch have several branches? Then these branches can all use the number of the main branch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0" z_index="0" limit_content="" uncode_shortcode_id="107271" el_id="Optimize-Packaging-for-Efficiency"][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="2" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="213925" column_width_pixel="625"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="119311"]Where can I find my EORI number? [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_color="Primary" uncode_shortcode_id="660690" text_color_type="uncode-palette"]If you already have an EORI number, it can typically be found on official documents related to customs and international trade, such as invoices, shipping paperwork, or customs declarations. Businesses can also verify their EORI number by checking with their national customs authority or through the European Commission's EORI validation website. If you're unsure whether you have a number or need to confirm its validity, these resources are essential tools for verification. Don't have an EORI number yet? We will tell you how to apply for one later in this article. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="3" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="135150" column_width_pixel="625"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="898429"]The start of EORI numbers [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_color="Primary" uncode_shortcode_id="151373" text_color_type="uncode-palette"]EORI numbers were introduced on July 1, 2009, as part of the EU's efforts to modernise and streamline customs procedures across member states. This initiative was a response to the need for a more unified and efficient system to handle the increasing volume of international trade. By implementing EORI numbers, the European Union aimed to enhance security, improve regulatory compliance, and facilitate smoother trade flows between countries, ultimately benefiting both businesses and customs authorities. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="3" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="210444" column_width_pixel="625"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="686929"]Do EORI numbers expire? [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_color="Primary" uncode_shortcode_id="746940" text_color_type="uncode-palette"]EORI numbers do not have an expiration date; once issued, they remain valid indefinitely as long as the business remains active in international trade and complies with customs regulations. However, it is crucial to keep the associated information up to date, such as business addresses and contact details. If there are significant changes in the business structure or if the company ceases trading activities, it is necessary to inform the relevant customs authority to update or deactivate the EORI number accordingly. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="3" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="159678" column_width_pixel="625"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="106637"]Requesting an EORI number [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id="124791"]Requesting an EORI number is a straightforward process that involves applying through your national customs authority. The application can often be completed online, requiring basic information about your business, such as your VAT number, company address, and contact details. After submitting the application, the customs authority will process your request and issue the EORI number. For businesses engaging in cross-border trade, having an EORI number is mandatory to ensure compliance with EU customs regulations, making it an essential step in your trade operations. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_use_pixel="yes" gutter_size="3" overlay_alpha="50" shift_x="0" shift_y="0" shift_y_down="0" z_index="0" medium_width="0" mobile_width="0" width="1/1" uncode_shortcode_id="123271" column_width_pixel="625"][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id="208843"]EORI numbers in the UK [/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_color="Primary" uncode_shortcode_id="125544" text_color_type="uncode-palette"]Is your company located in the UK or does your business trade with companies in this region? The UK is no longer part of the European Union since the Brexit (2020). This means that there are two types of EORI numbers: a European number and a UK number. A UK EORI number is similar to the European one, but it is assigned by the UK Customs Authority (HMRC) and is only valid in the UK. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_color="Primary"