What Is a EORI Number?

Looking to understand what an EORI number is? if your business imports or exports goods to and from the UK, you’ll likely need an EORI number to clear customs and comply with HMRC regulations. But what exactly is a EORI number, and how do you get one?

In this post, we’ll break down what a EORI number is, why it’s important for UK businesses involved in cross-border trade, and how to apply for one quickly and correctly.

What Is a EORI Number?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification number. It’s a unique ID code used by HMRC and other customs authorities to track and process goods entering or leaving the UK and EU.

EORI numbers are used to:

• Identify traders and businesses involved in international goods movement
• Record customs declarations
• Facilitate import and export documentation

In short, if you want to import or export physical goods as a UK business, you will likely need a valid EORI number.

Do You Need a EORI Number?

You’ll need a UK EORI number if your business is involved in most types of cross-border trade involving physical goods. This applies whether you’re importing, exporting, or moving goods between parts of the UK under the post-Brexit customs framework.

You need a UK EORI number if your business:

• Imports goods into the UK from outside the UK this includes shipments from EU member states (e.g. France, Germany) and non-EU countries (e.g. China, USA).
• Exports goods from the UK to any overseas destination, including both EU and non-EU countries.
• Moves goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol, customs procedures may apply.
• Acts as a customs agent, freight forwarder, or completes customs declarations on behalf of others.

Example: A UK-based e-commerce business importing stock from Germany or exporting to the US must have an EORI number to clear goods at customs.

You do not need an EORI number if:

• You only sell services, such as consulting or digital products, and do not deal in physical goods.
• You move goods solely within the UK, with no international movement.
• You are sending goods for personal use, rather than as part of a commercial business.

If you’re unsure, you can check your business status and apply online: GOV.UK – Check if you need an EORI number

Post-Brexit: UK vs EU EORI Numbers

Since the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021, a UK-issued EORI number no longer grants access to EU customs systems. As a result, businesses that operate across both UK and EU borders may now require two separate EORI numbers one for the UK and one for the EU.

UK EORI Numbers

To import goods into Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) or export from the UK to any country (including EU nations), you’ll need a UK EORI number that starts with GB.

EU EORI Numbers

If your business has operations in the EU,  such as warehousing, fulfilment centres, or a customs representative – you may also need to register for an EU EORI number through the customs authority of an EU member state. This is particularly relevant for:

• UK companies that store goods in the EU for B2B or B2C sales
• Businesses selling via platforms like Amazon EU (FBA)
• Firms appointing an EU customs agent to handle imports on their behalf

You must apply for the EU EORI in the first EU country where you operate, not through HMRC.

More details: European Commission – EORI registration

More details: EORI numbers and Brexit – Sage