What is EORI Number?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is the identifier that economic operators must use in all customs operations in the European Union, including import, export and transit declarations. The system became operational on 1 July 2009 and is now based on Article 9 of the Union Customs Code, with detailed rules in the UCC Delegated and Implementing Regulations. An EU EORI consists of the two-letter code of the issuing member state followed by an identifier of up to 15 alphanumeric characters. EU-established operators register in their member state of establishment, while non-EU operators register in the member state where they first lodge a declaration or perform another customs activity. One EORI is valid throughout the EU; since Brexit the UK issues separate GB EORI numbers, and XI numbers are used for Northern Ireland movements.
Why it matters for forwarders
Customs declarations, ICS2 entry summary declarations and export declarations reference the EORI of the declarant, importer, exporter and, where relevant, the carrier. A missing or invalid EORI is one of the most common causes of declaration rejection and cargo held at the border. Non-EU sellers shipping under DDP, or acting as exporter of record, need their own EORI, while a foreign exporter selling to an EU buyer under other terms usually does not. Validate a client's EORI with the European Commission's online tool before filing, since numbers can be deregistered. For UK movements, check that the client holds a GB EORI for Great Britain and an XI or EU EORI where Northern Ireland rules apply.