EORI Number
This is a guest post by John Kabawat from Cargocost, a freight comparison website powered by Unsworth Global Logistics..
During my time within the logistics industry, I have noticed that many people don’t fully understand what is the EORI number for and whether they need to apply for it.
EORI or Economic Operator Registration Identification is basically a method for tracking exports and imports within the EU so any shipments can easily identified by customs. All businesses within the EU need an EORI number when importing or exporting any commercial cargo from or to any country outside the EU.
For those of you who are unaware or need help about all this, I am going to break down what the EORI number is and how it can be tackled.
UK EORI numbers start with the letters “GB” and most of them are followed by a 12 – digit number based on the trader’s number. They are based on an already expired number called Trader’s Unique Reference Numbers (TURNs).
For instance, an EORI number will look similar to GB123456789000.
When do I need an EORI number
You will need to apply for an EORI number if you import goods from or export goods to countries outside the EU.
Note that, this applies also if you just occasionally purchase items from outside the EU, not in a regular basis. For instance, when buying machinery for your business or items for exhibitions you will need an EORI number.
It will also be required if you need to provide to the customs authorities with pre-arrival or pre-departure information on goods.
In addition, it is used by customs authorities to exchange information and share it with government departments and agencies when the movement of goods involves a customs procedure.
Who should get an EORI number
Generally, the person lodging the declaration should get the EORI number. For instance, if the carrier is lodging the declaration, the carrier will have to apply for the EORI number.
How to get an EORI number
It’s a simple process. You just need to fill in the application form and send it to HMRC.
If you’re VAT registered you can complete the Application for Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) form.
If you’re not VAT registered then you can complete one of the relevant forms below.
I recommend all non VAT registered applicants to apply for the EORI number after the first shipment has been dispatched as you will need the carrier and tracking information for the application.
Many people wonder whether the EORI number is only valid for one shipment, but the truth is that once you apply for an EORI number you can use it on all your future imports and exports.
As an artist selling original art to UK and EU via marketplaces like Etsy, do I need an EORI Number? The individual buyers in EU/UK are buying art for personal use only
Do an importer (say DDP seller outside the EU) need separate EORI number for each member state in the EU. Or EORI number obtained from one member state is applicable for exports and imports to/ from other member states of the EU.
I AM A FREIGHT FORWARDER, ITS NECESSARY FOR ME THE EORI NO ?
IF IT IS NECESSARY FOR FORWARDERS, HOW TO REGISTERED AND GET THE NO, THE REGISTRATION COLUM SHOWING ONLY FOR EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS NOT THERE FOR LOGISTICS OR FREIGHT FORWARDERS
Hello Dear,
Thanks for your clarifications. It’s always very useful
Hello Dear,
Thanks for this educational topic.
I’m an export documentation (FCL) worker in a freight forwarder in Turkey and I allways see EORI number in consignee’s details when I create a draft BL…
It’s very nice topic for me.
Thanks for your all help…
You are welcome Yağız.. Pls continue to visit the site and take part in the various discussions here..
Hi Hariesh,
For better understanding, would it be right to say that EORI number in EU is similar to IEC in India?
If not what is the difference?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Harish, as far as I know, IEC is an Import/Export code number required by anyone importing or exporting.. EORI number is different from this.. EORI is basically for tracking the movement of the cargo under that number within the EU region..
dear Hariesh , thanks for the info .
one question though : does the person who applies for the EORI number must be based in a EU country ?
thanks
Hi, thanks for the information. Wouldn’t mind reading about MRN and Invoices and how they are regulated by the EU
MRN is a Movement Reference Number (MRN)
Its a number required on the Export Accompanying Document (EAD) for a German export shipment with a customs value more than 1000 EUR. The number consists of 18 alphanumeric characters. The third and fourth character shows the origin ISO country, which is DE for Germany.
Cordially Yours,
Kishan Barai