Why Do I Need an EORI Number?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals conducting international trade within the European Union. It simplifies customs processes and is essential for businesses importing or exporting goods across EU borders. Without an EORI number, shipments can be delayed or even stopped at customs, leading to added costs and potential business disruptions.
For companies operating within the EU or trading with EU countries, an EORI number is essential for tracking and identifying shipments as they move through customs. This number also ensures compliance with EU regulations and allows authorities to accurately assess any taxes, duties, and import/export restrictions that apply to the goods.
What is an EORI Number?
An EORI number is a registration number used by customs authorities in the European Union to track shipments and facilitate trade. Each EORI number is unique and consists of a two-letter country code followed by a sequence of numbers. For example, a business registered in Germany might have an EORI number that starts with “DE,” followed by a unique numerical identifier.
The EORI number is part of the EU’s effort to create a more efficient, standardized customs system across member states. When goods are imported or exported, customs agencies use the EORI number to quickly retrieve details about the business or individual involved, as well as relevant shipment information.
How Do I Acquire an EORI Number?
Obtaining an EORI number is typically a straightforward process, though it may vary slightly depending on your country of residence or registration. Here’s a general guide to acquiring an EORI number:
- Apply Through the National Customs Authority: Applications for an EORI number are submitted to the customs authority in the EU country where your business is based. Most countries offer an online application process through their official customs or trade portals.
- Provide Necessary Business Information: The application will generally require basic business details, such as the company name, address, VAT number (if applicable), and contact information.
- Approval and Issuance: Once you submit your application, the processing time can vary by country. In many cases, the customs authority issues an EORI number within a few business days.
If your business operates outside the EU but you plan to import to or export from an EU country, you may still need an EORI number, which can be issued by the customs authority in the first EU country you intend to trade with.
When Do I Need to Use My EORI Number?
Your EORI number is essential whenever you’re dealing with EU customs, whether you’re importing goods into the EU, exporting goods from the EU, or engaging in any customs processes related to cross-border trade. You’ll use this number on customs declarations, shipment documents, and in any communications with customs authorities.
Having an EORI number allows customs officials to process your shipments more efficiently and helps avoid delays in goods clearance. In addition, the EORI number may be required for specific regulatory compliance checks, licensing, or permits associated with the goods you’re importing or exporting.
Import and Export to and from the United Kingdom
Since Brexit, customs requirements between the UK and EU have changed significantly. The UK is now considered a “third country” for EU trade, meaning businesses in the UK or businesses trading with the UK are subject to more customs formalities, including the use of EORI numbers for all imports and exports.
If your business trades between the UK and the EU, you will need an EORI number registered with the customs authorities in the EU as well as a separate GB EORI number from the UK. The split system ensures that customs authorities on both sides can efficiently track and process shipments moving between the two regions.
What is a GB EORI Number?
A GB EORI number is the UK-specific version of the EORI number, required for all businesses trading goods with the UK post-Brexit. This number is assigned by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and starts with the prefix “GB” followed by a unique identifier.
If your business is based in the UK or plans to import or export goods with the UK, you will need a GB EORI number to clear shipments through UK customs. Without it, goods are likely to be delayed at the border, causing potential costs and logistical issues.
When Do I Need to Use My GB EORI Number?
You’ll need your GB EORI number whenever your business interacts with UK customs, such as when importing goods into the UK, exporting goods from the UK, or dealing with customs declarations, permits, and regulatory checks.
This number is required on all customs documentation, including invoices, shipping forms, and any other relevant paperwork involved in your transactions. Furthermore, if you’re importing into the UK from outside the EU or exporting from the UK to the EU, you will often need both an EU EORI number and a GB EORI number to ensure compliance with both customs jurisdictions.
In summary, both EU and GB EORI numbers are essential tools for businesses in international trade, enabling smoother customs processing, compliance, and reducing potential delays at the border. For businesses working across EU-UK borders, understanding and using the correct EORI numbers is essential to maintaining smooth, efficient trade flows.
How to add EORI number in Packrooster Shipping
When you have your EORI number you can add it to Packrooster Shippings shipping location data so it will be automatically used when needed. Open Packrooster and go to general settings. There you can find your shipping locations that comes from your Shopify shipping locations. Press the edit button next to your shipping location. There you can find a field for EORI number. Fill the field and you are good to go. Packrooster Shipping will automatically use your EORI number when needed for shipping.
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