What is an EORI Number and How to Obtain It? A Guide for EU Customs Procedures

What is an EORI Number?

EORI number is a special identification number used by companies and individuals engaged in import and export within the European Union (EU). It is an abbreviation of Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) and is used to expedite customs procedures and increase traceability. The Customs EORI number is a registration that all businesses trading in EU countries must possess.

The EORI number is registered in the database of the European Commission and can be easily verified through EORI check systems. It is an application that increases transparency in customs procedures and speeds up processes within EU countries.

Why is an EORI Number Necessary?

To be able to trade with the EU, a business must have an EORI number. The requirement for an EORI number has been established primarily to ensure that customs procedures are carried out in an orderly and reliable manner.

Without an EORI number:

• Export or import transactions to EU countries cannot be conducted.

• Customs declarations will be considered incomplete, and processes may take longer.

• Disruptions may occur in logistics processes.

• Uncertainties may arise in customs duties and other financial obligations.

Moreover, learning EORI number and verification processes can be easily done through EORI check systems. If a company does not fill out the EORI number application form to acquire this number, it will not be able to trade with the EU.

The EORI number is used to enhance security measures in international trade and to clearly identify the identities of businesses. This number is particularly important for companies wishing to trade with England after Brexit.

Who Can Obtain an EORI Number?

Obtaining an EORI number is necessary for companies and individuals wishing to trade with the European Union. However, it is not mandatory for every business or individual to obtain this number. The following persons and entities can obtain an EORI number:

Those Required to Obtain an EORI Number

• All companies importing or exporting with EU countries

• Individual entrepreneurs associated with customs procedures in the EU

• International logistics companies wishing to obtain an EORI number

• Customs brokers and intermediaries related to trade

• Businesses that import or export goods to or from free zones within the EU

Especially businesses conducting EORI number inquiries in England have had to obtain separate EORI numbers for both the EU and England after Brexit. For example, a company operating in the EU must obtain both an EORI number for the EU and a separate EORI number for England.

Those Not Required to Obtain an EORI Number

• Companies trading outside the EU and having no direct connection with customs

• Companies that only trade within the EU and are not involved in customs procedures

• Individuals bringing goods for personal purposes (if not for commercial purposes)

If a company plans to trade with countries outside the EU, it must fill out the EORI number application form beforehand to complete this process. The requirement for an EORI number is of great importance for every business considering trading in the EU.

How to Obtain an EORI Number?

The process of obtaining an EORI number is quite simple and is usually done through the relevant country's customs authority. This process may vary depending on the country where the business is registered, but the general steps are as follows:

Documents Required to Obtain an EORI Number

The documents required for an EORI number application may vary from country to country. However, generally, the following documents are requested:

• Company trade registry record

• Tax number and company information

• Identification details of the authorized person

• Declarations and documents related to customs procedures

• EORI number application form (Should be downloaded from the relevant country's customs website)

The EORI number application form can be obtained from the official customs authority of the country where the application is made. For example, applications for England should be made through HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).

Steps to Apply for an EORI Number

1. Prepare the necessary documents: Company information and trade registry record must be complete.

2. Apply to the customs authority of the relevant country: You can apply online or in writing.

3. Fill out the application form: The EORI number application form must be filled out completely and with accurate information.

4. Wait for approval from the customs authority: The processing time varies by country but is generally completed within 1 to 10 business days.

5. Learning EORI number: When your application is approved, you will be informed of your EORI number, and you can verify it by conducting an EORI number inquiry.

As for the question of how many digits is an EORI number?, each country's EORI number structure is different. It usually starts with a country code followed by a specific number for the company or individual.

For example:

• Example of a UK EORI number: GB123456789000

• Example of a German EORI number: DE987654321000

Obtaining an EORI number enables the acceleration of customs procedures and helps make trade more transparent. If the EORI number application form is filled out completely, the process is usually completed quickly.

Where to Obtain an EORI Number?

Businesses wishing to obtain an EORI number must apply to the customs authority of the EU country in which they are located or intend to trade. Each EU country accepts EORI number applications through its own national customs system and assigns a special identification number to businesses.

If trading with England, applications must be made through HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Since England separated from the EU after Brexit, it is necessary to obtain a separate EORI number for both the EU and England.

Application Addresses for EORI Numbers by Country

Is an EORI number mandatory in Turkey?
Since Turkey is not an EU member, Turkish companies do not need an EORI number when trading within Turkey. However, companies exporting to the EU are required to obtain an EORI number from the EU country to which they are exporting.

EORI Number Inquiry and Verification

The process of learning and verifying the EORI number of a company or individual can be carried out through the official website of the European Commission or the customs authority of the relevant country.

Steps to Inquiry the EORI Number

1. Go to the Official EU EORI Check Page: Access the EORI check system of the European Commission.

2. Enter the EORI Number: Write the number assigned to the business in the box.

3. Initiate the Verification Process: If the number entered in the system matches the customs records, it is considered valid.

4. Check the Result: If the number is registered, the business’s EORI number is active and available for use.

The EORI number inquiry process in England is conducted through the official gov.uk site. You can access the HMRC system to check whether a registered firm in England has an EORI number.

If the EORI number appears to be invalid, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

• The EORI number may not have been activated yet. (It may take a few days for new applications.)

• Inquiry may have been made with the wrong country code.

• The company's records may not have been updated.

Therefore, it is important to verify the registration in the system after filling out the EORI number application form.

Advantages of Obtaining an EORI Number

Obtaining an EORI number provides many advantages for businesses. Some of these are:

1. Speed and Convenience in Customs Procedures

• Customs declarations are processed faster and waiting times are reduced.

• Since businesses' identities are clearly defined, additional document requests decrease.

2. Legal Assurance in International Trade

• It is mandatory for trading in regions such as the EU and England.

• Since all transactions are legally recorded, companies are protected by legal safeguards.

3. Ease of Access to the European Market

• It is mandatory for Turkish companies seeking to do business with EU countries.

• Companies without an EORI number may face issues in customs procedures in the EU.

4. Tax Advantages and Easy Tracking

• Tax refunds and VAT processes are completed more quickly.

• Delays in customs procedures can be prevented thanks to the EORI number.

Is obtaining an EORI number mandatory?

Yes, the requirement for an EORI number applies to businesses trading with the EU. If a company or individual is exporting or importing to EU countries, they are required to obtain this number. When trading with England, a separate EORI number for England is necessary.

However, obtaining an EORI number is not mandatory for businesses that only trade within the EU and are not involved in customs procedures.

How long does it take to obtain an EORI number?

Depending on the country applied to, EORI number applications are typically completed within 1 to 10 business days.

• In England (HMRC), applications are usually resolved within 2-3 business days.

• In EU countries, results are typically obtained within 5-7 business days.

• In some special cases, the process may be extended due to customs inspections.

To speed up the application process, it is essential to ensure that the necessary documents are filled out completely and accurate information is provided.

Is the EORI number valid in every EU country?

Yes, an EORI number obtained within the EU is valid in all EU countries. However, following Brexit, England is no longer included in this system. If trading with England, it is mandatory to obtain an EORI number for England.

In summary:

• An EORI number obtained in the EU is valid in all EU countries.

• A separate EORI number must be obtained for England.

• In Turkey, an EORI number is not mandatory, but companies trading with the EU must acquire one.

Where is the EORI number written?

The EORI number is added to the customs records once assigned to the business and appears in the company's customs declarations. Additionally:

• It can be used on customs documents and invoices.

• It may be found in the company's official trade documents.

• It can be verified through the EU's EORI check system.

If a business wants to conduct an EORI number inquiry, it can use the EORI check page of the European Commission or the customs authority of the relevant country to query its number.

How many digits is the EORI number?

The EORI number varies by country, but it generally consists of between 12 and 15 digits and is formatted as follows:

• Example of a UK EORI number: GB123456789000

• Example of a German EORI number: DE987654321000

• Example of a French EORI number: FR12345678912

The number usually starts with a country code, followed by a specific identification number for the business.