EORI, or Economic Operators Registration and Identification, is a customs identification number used by businesses and individuals involved in importing or exporting goods in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Customs authorities use the EORI number to identify traders in declarations, clearance records, transit documents, and other customs systems. Importers, exporters, customs brokers, and freight forwarders may need an EORI before goods can be cleared, moved under customs procedures, or traded across borders.
An EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals involved in import or export activities in the EU and UK. It is required on all customs declarations filed in the EU or UK.
- UK EORI numbers start with ‘GB’; EU EORI numbers start with the relevant country code
- Required on import and export customs declarations in the EU and UK
- Businesses exporting to the EU after Brexit needed both a UK EORI and an EU EORI
- Apply for an EORI through HMRC (UK) or the national customs authority of the relevant EU member state
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Customs Entry, VAT Number, Customs Clearance, and Customs Broker.
