EORI number: how to apply and check one

An EORI number is the registration number that identifies a business in every customs declaration in the EU. You apply once, free of charge, to the customs authority of the EU country where your business is established, and the number is then valid in all EU countries [1] [3] [7]. Anyone can check whether a number is valid in the European Commission's EORI database [3].

Who needs an EORI number?

Economic operators established in the customs territory of the Union register with the customs authorities of the place where they are established [1]. The Commission states it as a rule of practice: an EORI number is mandatory for the clearance of every type of customs operation in the EU, such as import, export and transit, and a person holds a single valid EORI number at any time [3]. Dutch customs puts it plainly for importers: you need one when you or your forwarder import goods from outside the EU or export them [6]. A broker filing the declaration for you does not remove the need for your own number.

A business established outside the EU registers in the EU country where it first lodges a customs declaration or applies for a decision [1] [3]. The Delegated Regulation lists the cases, for example before lodging a customs declaration, an entry summary declaration or a temporary storage declaration [2].

An EORI number starts with the two letter code of the issuing country, followed by up to 15 letters or digits [3]. It has no expiry date. Customs invalidate it on request, or when the business stops the activities that required it [2] [3].

How to apply in Germany

German EORI numbers are issued free of charge by the Generalzolldirektion, Dienstort Dresden, Stammdatenmanagement [4]. Since 1 October 2026 the application, every change of the master data and the closing of a number go through the Zoll-Portal, with the service "EORI-Nr. Verwaltung"; the paper form 0870 is accepted only as a fallback when the portal is down [4]. To log in you need an ELSTER login option issued to your company, and the data linked to that login become part of your EORI master data [4]. Between application and issue, keep a copy of the application and the confirmation that it was sent: with them a declaration can still be lodged correctly [4].

A branch without its own legal personality does not get its own EORI number. It can get a branch number under the head office's EORI number, where the head office is always "0000" [5].

How to apply in the Netherlands

Dutch customs takes EORI applications through an online form at the Nationale Helpdesk Douane, free of charge [6]. A company established in the Netherlands that lodges its own declarations may instead compose its EORI number in its first declaration: "NL" followed by its RSIN, with leading zeros up to nine digits. A sole trader (eenmanszaak) cannot use this route [6]. Within five working days you hear whether the number has been granted [6]. If your VAT number changes, for example when a sole trader becomes a BV, you apply for a new EORI number [6]. Branches use the number of the head office [6] [7].

How to apply in Belgium

According to hub.brussels, the Brussels Region's agency for businesses, a company with its registered office in Belgium applies to the Belgian customs administration with the form "Application/BE/EORI/A3", stating its VAT number or its enterprise number [8]. The application is free, and a complete file usually takes no more than two days [8].

How to apply in Ireland

In Ireland you first register for the Revenue Online Service (ROS). The Eircode is mandatory in every EORI registration, so that declarations are not rejected [9]. In ROS you then register for Customs and Excise and tick the option for an EORI number [10]. Without an active ROS digital certificate, you can email Revenue's eCustoms Helpdesk with your tax registration number, name and address [10]. The default Irish EORI number is "IE" followed by your VAT or tax registration number. It can be used at once in declarations lodged in Ireland, and it can take up to 48 hours to appear in the European database [10].

Where to check an EORI number

The Commission's EORI validation page checks any EORI number [3]. Name and address are shown only if the holder agreed to publication [5] [6]. Check your own number before the first shipment, and check the numbers of new trading partners. Dutch customs also reads your AEO status from your EORI number [7], so a mistyped number in your broker's records follows every declaration.

What the number is used for

The EORI number identifies the parties in customs declarations and in entry and exit summary declarations [11]. In the Netherlands, an importer with an article 23 licence enters its EORI number as the consignee and its VAT identification number as the person liable for VAT [7]; the guide to import VAT explains that licence. What the status of authorised economic operator asks on top of it is in AEO authorisation.