What is an EORI Number?

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for customs clearance in the customs territory of the European Union. That relates to all types of customs operations such as export, import and transit

In order to communicate with Customs you need an EORI number. They are free to obtain and should be held by all parties involved in international trade. Currently you only need one EORI for the whole of the EU, after 31stDecember many will require one in UK and one in EU. UK EORI can be issued for VAT registered businesses and non VAT registered businesses. You only need a UK EORI if you are communicating or ‘contracting’ only with HMRC (UK). For example, if you are a UK importer, exporter or declarant.