Frequently asked questions,
answered straight.
What an EORI is,
and who needs one.
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is the ID customs authorities use to identify your business at every EU border — one number, issued by EU customs authority, valid in all 27 member states and verifiable in the official EU database.
Who needs an EORI number?
Any business that imports goods into or exports goods out of the EU — EU and non-EU companies alike. That includes single shipments, Amazon FBA and other marketplace sellers storing stock in EU warehouses, and companies whose freight forwarder files declarations for them. Without an EORI, your goods stop at customs.
Is an EORI the same as a VAT number?
No. VAT registration is for tax; EORI is for customs. The two can look similar – but they are separate registrations, and many businesses need both.
What does an EORI number look like?
A two-letter country code followed by a identifier of up to 15 characters — for example
PL100747569. Each member state uses its own pattern.Do I need a separate EORI for each EU country?
No. One EU EORI is valid in all 27 member states, wherever it was issued. You register once, in the right country, and use the same number at every EU border.
Are you a government authority?
No. eorinumber.eu is an independent, third-party proffessional service provider – not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the European Commission or any government authority. You can always apply directly with EU customs authority free of charge. Our fee covers preparation, filing, follow-up and support.
Getting your number,
done for you.
In which EU country should I register?
EU-established companies register in the country where they are established. Non-EU companies register in the member state where they carry out customs formalities — usually the country where your first shipment enters the EU. Not sure which that is? Tell us your route and we confirm the right country before filing.
Can I apply for an EORI myself, free of charge?
Yes. Customs authorities do not charge for EORI numbers, and every business can apply directly. You pay us for doing it right, fast, and for you: confirming the correct country, preparing the application, filing it with the authority, following up and supporting you until the number is issued.
Prefer to do it yourself? Get the step-by-step guide for €98 / £88 / $118 →
How long does registration take?
Most numbers are issued within 1–5 business days, depending on the issuing country and the completeness of your details. We confirm the current timeline for your country before we file, and keep you informed while the application is with the authority.
Which documents do I need?
Typically an extract from your business register, details of a company representative, and a signed authorisation so we can file on your behalf. Exact requirements vary by country — we send you the precise list for your case before anything is filed.
How does the process work?
Three steps. You fill in one form — about five minutes. We prepare your application and file it with the EU customs authority, in the right format and language. You receive your EORI number with official confirmation by email.
I'm a non-EU importer — is an EORI all I need?
Usually not. A non-EU company importing into the EU generally also needs an indirect customs representative to lodge declarations on its behalf – a separate role our EORI service does not replace. We are glad to point you to partners for representation and VAT registration.
GB or EU —
what UK trade needs.
Do you register GB EORI numbers?
No. HMRC issues GB EORI numbers free of charge, usually within a few working days, and you apply directly with HMRC through your Government Gateway account. What we do offer: if you already have a GB (or EU) number and can’t find it, we locate it for you and make sure it’s up to date and still valid.
Is a GB EORI valid in the EU?
No. Since Brexit, a GB EORI works for UK customs only. To trade with the EU you need a separate EU EORI – which we register for you.
I think I already have an EORI but can't find it. Can you help?
Yes – that is our retrieval service. Send us your company details and we locate your existing EU or UK (GB) EORI and deliver it with confirmation, for €148 / £138 / $178. If it turns out no number exists, we tell you that plainly – and what the sensible next step is.
What about XI EORI numbers (Northern Ireland)?
We don’t provide XI EORI numbers – they are tied to GB registration and handled by HMRC directly. For the EU side of your trade, we register your EU EORI.
One flat fee,
in your currency.
How much does it cost?
Three products, three flat fees – shown in your local currency:
- €98 / £88 / $118 EORI registration guide — do it yourself
- €148 / £138 / $178 EORI registration or retrieval – done for you
- €248 / £238 / $298 Priority processing, or EU + UK combined
No hidden charges. Compare on the pricing page →
Why pay you when the authority is free?
Because the fee buys the work around the number: confirming the right country, preparing the application correctly the first time, filing in the local system and language, chasing the authority, and support until the number is in your inbox. One fee, one contact — no forms or communication in Dutch, French or Portuguese.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Link — processed securely by Stripe and charged in your local currency (EUR, GBP or USD).
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. If we cannot register – or locate – your EORI based on correctly provided information, you receive a full refund. The exact conditions are set out in our refund policy.
Are there any government fees on top?
No. EU customs authorities issue EORI numbers without a state fee, so our service fee is the only cost. What you see at checkout is what you pay.
After you apply,
your number in use.
How do I receive my EORI number?
By email, together with the official confirmation from the customs authority, as soon as the number is issued. Nothing to print, nowhere to queue.
How can I check that an EORI is valid?
Every EU EORI can be verified in the European Commission’s central database. Our EORI number check page explains how to run the check and what to do if your number does not validate.
Does an EORI number expire?
No. An EORI has no expiry date and no renewal fee – it stays valid for as long as your business exists and its registration details are current. Authorities deactivate numbers when data inconsistency has been detected, a company closes or its registration lapses.
What if my company details change?
Report changes to company name, address or legal form to the authority that issued your EORI, so the record behind your number stays accurate. Unsure how? Contact us and we point you the right way.
What happens to my data?
We use your details for one purpose: preparing and filing your application. Data is processed under the GDPR, stored securely, and never sold. Your form progress is saved so you can resume by email link. Full details in the privacy policy.