EORI number for imports and exports

Definition

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. Businesses and other economic operators use this unique EU identifier in customs declarations and when communicating with customs authorities. Whether it is required depends on the party’s role and the procedure.

Why does it matter?

If a required EORI number is missing or invalid, an import or export declaration may not be processed as planned. It should therefore be checked before dispatch.

Key points

• The number is issued by the competent customs administration.
• Company name and address should match the registered master data.
• An EORI number is different from a VAT number or commodity code.

Practical example

A German company exports machinery components to a non-EU country for the first time. Its valid EORI number is checked before the export declaration is filed.

Common mistakes

• Entering a VAT number instead of the EORI number
• Failing to update changed company details
• Starting registration only on the day of clearance