What Is an EORI Number and How to Get One? GB, EU & XI Explained (2026 Guide)

The EORI number is a term you may have encountered if you are importing or exporting products from the UK, EU, or beyond. But what’s the meaning of EORI number? Who would require it? Will there be a different number for Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the EU? The EORI number is a very important aspect of customs procedures as having either an incorrect number or omitting this information can lead to various difficulties, such as delays in customs procedures.

So, what is EORI? EORI is the abbreviation of Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It indicates the uniqueness of this number and shows that it is used by customs and related agencies to identify businesses and other enterprises engaged in real customs operations. EORI number usage is necessary for customs clearance in the European Union. For those who conduct business across the UK and EU, it matters to understand the distinction between the EORI number of Great Britain, EORI number of EU, and EORI number of Northern Ireland. In this guide, you will find more information about EORI, who needs EORI registration, how to apply for an EORI number, and when different numbers should be obtained by different enterprises.

What Is an EORI Number?

EORI is an abbreviation for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is used to provide a unique identification for various economic operators working with customs. EORI number can be viewed as a businesses' identifier for customs purposes, as through the number customs can see who the economic operator behind the submitted customs information was.

The European Commission mentions that without an EORI number customs services cannot perform any type of customs operations in the territory of the European Union, such as imports and exports.

Why Is an EORI Number Important?

International commerce is about lots of information flowing between businesses, carriers, customs brokers, and government agencies. Without a permanent identification method, customs authorities have to rely on businesses’ names, addresses and other data that often fail to distinguish one entity from another.

The EORI number offers an identity that allows customs authorities to do the following:

• Identify the parties involved in commerce.
• Implement the customs declarations process.
• Facilitate customs clearance.
• Link the parties to customs data.
• Boost the efficiency of the customs institutions.
• Ensure safety and statistical oversight.

According to the European Commission, EORI can be defined as a common identification method aimed at improving the efficiency of trading parties and customs authorities.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

It isn't necessary for an enterprise to have an EORI number just because it is involved in international trade. An EORI application is vital only if the firm is engaged in customs operations as defined by the concerned legislation. EU economic operators based in the EU customs territory usually require an EORI number but, in certain cases, non-EU operators may also need one.

Importers and Exporters

When a company regularly conducts import or export operations, EORI registration becomes a crucial element of its customs operations.

For example, a company operating in the UK and exporting goods to France needs to avail itself of an appropriate EORI number depending on the nature of the transaction and customs declaration. Likewise, an EU company that imports goods into Great Britain should take into account the UK customs regulations.

Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders

Customs brokers and freight forwarders interface with the customs systems for the benefit of their clients. Their roles may include but are not limited to: preparation/submission of customs documents, and communication with customs authorities.

An EORI number allows customs authorities to identify the economic operator participating in the customs operations.

Carriers and Other Economic Operators

The EORI requirement may apply not only to ordinary importers and exporters. According to the European Commission, non-European operators that perform activities such as submitting customs declarations, ENS, EXS or temporary storage declarations need to have an EU EORI number.

This applies particularly to businesses dealing with import and export customs processes where numerous parties participate in the declarations.

The Differences Between GB, EU, and XI EORI Numbers Explained

When it comes to UK-EU trading, there are many misunderstandings surrounding the various EORI numbers.

Can they be swapped with each other? Not always.

The number you require will depend on where your company is located and where you conduct your business.

GB EORI Number

A GB EORI number applies to businesses undertaking customs formalities in Great Britain, which includes England, Wales, and Scotland. Many companies needing to carry out UK customs checking processes will require a GB EORI number.

As per HMRC guidelines, businesses can apply for GB EORI online. Normally, the number is issued instantly unless a further check is required by the HMRC.

EORI Number in the EU

The customs authority of a member country of EU is responsible for issuing EU EORI numbers. According to the European Commission, businesses operating in the EU need to apply for EORI registration from the customs authority of the member country of the EU where the business is located. EORI number is used for conducting customs operations inside the EU customs zones.

For example, a French established business which is importing goods to the EU will use EORI registration issued by French authorities for carrying out customs operation in the EU.

EORI Number of XI

This EORI number is related to custom operations that include Northern Ireland. UK officials mention that businesses need to obtain an EORI registration number from the GB authorities before applying for registration of XI EORI number. However, further information may be needed depending on the individual business conditions.

HMRC states that when applying for the XI EORI registration number, businesses may need to provide such specific information as the XI VAT number, VAT numbers in EU regions if applicable and documentation that proves that the business has been established and is operating in Northern Ireland.

GB vs EU vs XI EORI: What Is the Difference?

The key point is simple: do not assume that one EORI number automatically covers every UK and EU customs activity.

Your business structure, establishment, customs role, and the location where customs activities take place determine which registration you may need.

Acquiring an EORI Number

Generally, to get the EORI number, you have to register with the relevant customs authority. Before doing this, you have to determine where your business is located and which customs activities you want to carry out.

Step 1: Find the Relevant Customs Territory

First, think about the following questions:

Where will I be performing customs operations?

Are you:

• Located in Great Britain?
• Located in an EU country?
• Located in Northern Ireland?
• Located outside the EU, but conducting customs activities in the EU?
• Acting as a freight forwarder, customs agent, importer, or exporter?

In this case, the answers to the above questions will help you understand which customs authority you need to contact and which ways you can get the required EORI number.

Step 2: Making an Application to the Relevant Authority

In Great Britain, the responsibility of handling applications rests with HMRC. According to the European Commission, a business that is based in the EU is assigned the EORI by the customs authority of the Member State within which the economic operator is established.

If the business has no establishment in the EU, the Member State where the first relevant customs operation occurs is where the application will generally be made.

Step 3: Supply Accurate Business Data

Your application may require information to identify your business and establish your customs status.

Based on the jurisdiction and the situation at hand, such information may include:

• Legal business name.
• Registered address.
• Tax or VAT information.
• Business registration information.
• Contact information.
• Evidence of establishment (if required).

Be sure to verify the current regulations of the relevant customs authority before filing an application.

Step 4: Obtain and Confirm Your EORI

After being assigned your EORI number, it's necessary to share that information with the individuals who will be making customs declarations. Furthermore, it will be important to confirm the number if you have access to a validation service.

This is very much recommended while dealing with several systems and/or third parties involved in your customs process.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number?

The processing time is defined by jurisdiction and whether or not any separate checks are needed.

Regarding the GB EORI number, HMRC advises that such an EORI number is generally acquired immediately unless separate checks have to be made. In cases where such checks are mandatory, the process can take as long as five working days.

Regarding the XI EORI, according to GOV.UK, such a number is acquired over a period of five days. The processing times in the EU may vary, as the EORI registration goes through national customs authorities. This implies that companies willing to arrange new import or export processes should not postpone registration until the shipment approaches the border.

How Is an EORI Number Used in Customs Procedures?

The EORI number doesn’t serve as a customs declaration in itself. It’s simply used to identify the person in customs operations. As a result, EORI becomes part of the total custom process data.

Import and Export Declarations

Any import and export customs declarations contain data used for understanding what, who, and in what state is moved and the value of the goods.

The EORI number brings clarity regarding the responsible individual doing customs operations.

Entry Summary Declarations and ICS2

The EORI number can also be useful for the ICS systems. For example, the European Commission does explain in detail that it’s necessary to have the EORI for the economic operators’ activities and how to use it for ENS filling processes.

Thus, it’s important for those engaged in the process to learn the relationship between the EORI, ENS, and ICS2. Those business executives who want to automate these processes can rely on the Droblet service that provides the ICS2 automation solution that helps obtain shipment data, to check that the necessary data has been included, and to submit the ICS2 declarations.

Customs Clearance

During the customs clearance process, many pieces of information must be aligned together properly.

One of these important pieces of information is having a valid EORI.

Other pieces of information may include:

• Commodity / HS codes.
• Customs value.
• Country of origin.
• Consignor and consignee information.
• Details of the means of transport.
• Supporting documents.
• Customs procedure codes.
• Licences and authorisations if applicable.

That is why, it is important to apply for an EORI number as a part of a wider customs compliance process, not just as a simple administrative task.

EORI Number and Brexit: What Changed?

Brexit made the whole EORI issue more complicated for a lot of companies while trading between the UK and the European Union.

Prior to Brexit, companies were able to work within the EU customs framework. Since the UK quit the EU customs union, there are two separate customs systems.

When Might You Need Both GB and EU EORI Numbers?

Let’s take the example of a UK firm which imports goods into Great Britain, and it also acts as the importer of record on shipments arriving in France.

In this scenario, the company will need to have a GB EORI for its GB customs operations, and also an EU EORI for its EU customs operations, depending on how it has structured its corporate affairs and customs.

It would not be enough to simply ask, “Do I have an EORI?”

Instead, you should ask yourself whether you have the right EORI for the activities you will be conducting.

This is important because it helps avoid common customs issues.

How to Check and Validate an EORI Number

Having yourself an EORI is only good as information associated with that number is valid and provided about the right customs activity.

EORI Validation Service by the European Commission allows you to find out whether your EORI, and the registered data related to it are valid.

Why Should You Validate an EORI?

Picture a customs declaration with the proper description of goods, correct value, and HS code, but with a wrong identification number. This declaration may still face issues. When EORI is fully validated, the business can detect problems on its part before submitting customs documentation.

Droblet offers an EORI Validation tool as part of its free customs tools.

Common EORI Number Mistakes to Avoid

Different EORI mistakes are easy to avoid, but their impact could be considerable.

Using the Wrong EORI

One common mistake occurs when traders assume any EORI number connected with their business can be used for all customs activities.

Requirements for GB, EU, and XI should be taken into account separately.

Entering Incorrect Business Details

Having any discrepancy between EORI data and what is accounted to customs can lead to problematic questions and delays.

Make sure to provide correct information about your business.

Assuming an EORI Is the Same as a VAT Number

In reality, the EORI number does not have the same purpose as the VAT number.

They are different instruments.

The VAT number is mainly associated with taxation, while EORI identifies professionals involved in economic operations concerning customs.

Sometimes a company must obtain both the VAT number and EORI registration.

Waiting Until the Shipment Is Ready

One must start the process of EORI registration at an early stage of the preparation of the first international shipment.

It is a wrong idea to wait until the shipment is already on the way since it may lead to extra pressure.

EORI Number vs Customs Compliance

EORI number represents only one element of successful customs operations. A compliant shipment may require classification, valuation, and proof of origin; the preparation of declarations and all necessary documents; licensing; and keeping proper records.

Suppose one’s workflow for customs procedures is as follows:

Trade documentation → Data extraction → EORI approval → HS classification → Customs declaration → Validation → Submission → Clearance → Audit trail

The more manual the process is, the greater the chances to have errors. That is when automation comes in handy.

Droblet's customs compliance solutions are designed around automating trade and customs workflows, including document extraction, validation, declaration preparation, and filing.

How Technology Can Simplify EORI and Customs Operations

Today's customs departments are regularly processing various shipments, including handling invoices, packaging lists, bills of lading, customs declarations, and several customs systems.

Using manual methods to transfer EORI data and other shipping information between different documents or systems entails risks of making mistakes.

AI-Powered Document Extraction

Droblet's dOptic document extraction technology can provide information from commercial documents like parties, dates, money amounts, HS codes, weights, and customs fields.

Consequently, the amount of manual data input is significantly decreased before the customs details are updated.

Automated Validation

Verification can be included in a working procedure as well.

As an example, Droblet's solutions on customs clearance provide EORI verification when making a declaration. The company's CDS product spots invalid EORI information before the declaration is submitted.

The main idea is simple enough: to detect mistakes before passing the information to the customs organizations.

Integration With Existing Systems

When companies have to deal with numerous consignments, they should have the option of eliminating the manual customs data entry. Connecting customs processes with systems such as TMS, WMS, ERP, APIs, and document-processing tools can reduce duplicate data entry and create a more consistent process.

Key Takeaways

Although an EORI number may appear to be just a simple identification code, it has significant meaning when it comes to trade customs processes.

The most important points to note about EORI include:

• EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification.
• EORI gives a unique ID to those economic operators undertaking custom activity.
• EORI is mandatory for different types of EU customs activity, including import, export, and transit.
• EORI processes in GB, EU, and XI are also different.
• A GB EORI applies to GB customs processes.
• The EU EORI is connected with the EU customs processes.
• XI EORI is associated with different customs processes involving Northern Ireland.
• A business should check its EORI number prior to relying on it for a customs declaration.
• EORI registration is just one aspect of being compliant with customs regulations.
• Automation can assist in EORI validation and minimizing potential human error in customs processes.

The real problem of the digital age is not obtaining the EORI number but making sure that the right trader information gets to the customs authority right in time. For businesses managing high-volume import and export operations, combining accurate EORI data with automated document processing, validation, and customs filing can make the overall process faster, more consistent, and easier to audit.

Explore Droblet's AI-powered customs and trade compliance platform to see how automation can support your customs operations.

FAQs

1. What is an EORI number?

An EORI number is a unique identification number used by customs authorities to identify businesses and economic operators involved in customs activities.

2. Who needs an EORI number?

Businesses and individuals involved in customs activities such as importing, exporting, or transit may need an EORI number, depending on the applicable customs rules.

3. Do I need separate GB and EU EORI numbers?

Possibly. A GB EORI is used for relevant Great Britain customs activities, while an EU EORI may be required for customs activities in the EU.

4. Is an EORI number the same as a VAT number?

No. A VAT number is primarily used for tax purposes, while an EORI number identifies an economic operator for customs purposes.

5. How can I check an EORI number?

You can use the relevant customs authority's EORI validation service to check whether an EORI number is valid and registered correctly.