Getting a UK EORI Number to Trade within the EU

UK businesses trading with countries within the EU will need a UK issued Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number to continue trading if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

What is an EORI number?

In the UK, an EORI number is assigned to importers and exporters by HMRC, and is used in the process of customs entry declarations and customs clearance for both import and export shipments travelling to or from the EU and countries outside the EU.

Who needs an EORI number?

You’ll need to have a UK issued EORI number if you:

  • are a business established in the UK
  • will import or export goods with the EU from 11pm GMT on 29 March 2019

Why do you need an EORI number?

Having an EORI number allows you to do the following:

  • Trade goods into or out of the UK.
  • Submit declarations using software (or to give to your agent to make these declarations on your behalf).
  • Apply to be authorised for Customers simplifications and procedures.

Before you apply….

If you are VAT Registered – You will need your VAT registration number and then name under which your business is registered for VAT.

If you are not VAT Registered – You will need the following:

  • An address in the United Kingdom.
  • An email address.
  • ]Your date of birth.
  • Your National Insurance Number.

If your businesses is a partnership

You’ll need the following information for each individual partner:

  • date of birth
  • National Insurance number

If your business is registered as a company

You’ll need the following:

  • Company Registration Number
  • company incorporation date (the date your company came into being)
  • country of incorporation, for example, the United Kingdom

If you’re a registered charity

You’ll need the following:

  • Your registered charity number
  • Country of registration

If your business has a parent or holding company

Your parent holding company must apply for you.

How to apply

You may need the Government Gateway user ID and password for either:

  • your organisation, if you’re applying for your company or partnership
  • you, if you’re applying as an individual or a sole trader
  • If you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you start

Click here to register for your EORI number
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/customs/register-for-cds/are-you-based-in-uk

After the application

You may get the number immediately, but it could take up to 3 working days if HMRC needs to make more checks.

If you’ve not received the email you should check your spam folder.

It can take longer than 3 days if there are high volumes so please do not contact HMRC during this time. If HMRC has any query, HMRC will contact you.

When you receive your EORI number, please always use it when contacting HMRC about customs.

You can contact the team if you have problems with getting an EORI number.