{"id":125802,"date":"2024-07-31T14:12:03","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T13:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ilg-lin.gotest.it\/us-en\/?p=125802"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:41:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T10:41:44","slug":"what-is-an-eori-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.international-logistics-group.com\/us-en\/insights\/what-is-an-eori-number-125802\/","title":{"rendered":"When Do I Need an EORI Number and How Can I Get One?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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ILG Author Mike Jones<\/a>Mike Jones<\/a><\/span>31 Jul 2024<\/span><\/p>\n

When Do I Need an EORI Number and How Can I Get One?<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Trading between different countries has always come with a certain level of complexity \u2013 and that complexity has deepened since the United Kingdom left the European Union. Since the end of 2020, when the UK left the EU\u2019s single market and customs union, British companies trading in the Eurozone have been governed by the Trade and Co-Operation Agreement. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n


This new agreement means that trade can still carry on without any tariffs as it did before, but it has increased the amount of organization and red tape involved in the process.

Given that 42% of UK exports go to EU countries \u2013 a total of \u00a3340 billion worth of goods in 2022, according to Parliamentary research<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 getting these arrangements right is vital for successful international business operations in Europe<\/a><\/strong> and beyond.

A key part of those arrangements is having an Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number \u2013 commonly known as an EORI number. This guide tells you everything you need to know, including who needs an EORI number, what an EORI number is used for, how to apply for an EORI number in the UK, and what they mean for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is an EORI number used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An EORI number is used by authorities, importers, exporters, and freighters all over the world to easily identify the individual businesses that are trading. The EORI number format for a British company will start with GB (denoting Great Britain) followed by 12 digits. So, as an example of an EORI number, a British company could have GB234084423712, whereas a Dutch company\u2019s number would start with NL, a German company\u2019s with DE, and so on.

It may seem as though this is a further complication to doing international trade, but in reality, having an EORI number can make things much faster and easier than they would be otherwise. Previously, different countries and territories had their own standards and codes regarding import and export, which added unnecessary hassle for companies wanting to trade globally. But now, having an internationally recognized and accepted standard has removed the time-consuming stress of dealing with different types of code simultaneously.

By making it simple to identify all the businesses involved in trading internationally, moving goods through customs can be sped up and streamlined. At a time when fast global trade is more important than ever, this efficiency can be crucial for businesses wanting to avoid costly delays and satisfy the demands of international customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who needs an EORI number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that EORI numbers aren\u2019t exclusive to trade involving European countries; you\u2019ll need one to import or export goods with any country, wherever they are in the world. Post-Brexit, EORI numbers have become even more relevant and important. Although introduced in 2009 on a voluntary basis, they became mandatory at the beginning of 2021. EORI numbers are only applicable for the trade of goods, so if you only deal in digital services, then you won\u2019t need to obtain one.

Because of the unique trade situation that applies in Northern Ireland post-Brexit, some businesses also need a special EORI number if they want to trade between Northern Ireland and mainland Great Britain. If you have an EORI number for EU trade, then you\u2019ll already be covered for this, but you\u2019ll need an XI-type EORI number if you just want to trade between GB and NI. However, EORI numbers are not needed for trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I apply for an EORI number in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMRC has worked to make the process of applying for an EORI number as fast and straightforward as possible. The whole process can be completed online and should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes if you have all the required information. Getting all your documents together before you start can make things much easier.

You should make sure you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n