EORI Number: What Is It, And Why Do You Need One?

If your goods move across UK borders, you’ll need an EORI number. But figuring out which one you need, or how to apply, isn’t always straightforward.

At Goodwille, we’ve helped hundreds of international companies expand into the UK and manage their EORI numbers correctly from day one. This guide breaks down everything you need to know – what an EORI number is, how to tell if you need one, and which type applies to your business.

What is an EORI Number?

An EORI number – short for Economic Operators Registration and Identification number – is a special ID used for importing and exporting goods. It helps identify your business when trading across borders in the UK or EU.

Why is an EORI Number Important?

An EORI number is more than just a formality, it’s your gateway to seamless international trade. It ensures your business is recognised immediately by customs authorities, allowing goods to move swiftly and efficiently across borders.

It also protects you from delays or penalties, which can happen if your shipments arrive without the right documentation.

Most importantly, an EORI number shows you’re a credible, compliant international trader – giving your partners and customers confidence that your business is set up and ready to trade the right way.

Do I Need an EORI Number?

You’ll need an EORI number if your business moves goods into or out of the UK, including between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the European Union, or the Channel Islands. You’ll also need one to apply for an export licence.

No matter how your goods travel – by air, sea, road, or courier – an EORI number is required to keep your shipments moving.

Which EORI Number Do I Need?

Find out which EORI number you need for your business:

• If you trade with Great Britain – your EORI number must start with GB. If yours does not, you will need to apply for one.
• If you trade with Northern Ireland – as well as your GB EORI, you may also need an XI EORI. But if you already have an EU EORI, you won’t need an XI.
• If you trade in the European Union – you’ll need either:
  • An EORI number from an EU country, or
  • An XI EORI number and a business base in Northern Ireland.

Do I Need an EORI Number for Personal Use?

If you’re shipping personal items or non-controlled goods for private use only, you won’t need an EORI number.

Can I Trade Without an EORI Number?

No, you can’t trade in the UK or EU without an EORI number. The HMRC clarifies that if your business doesn’t have the correct EORI number, your goods can face customs delays, extra costs, and even storage fees while you wait for approval. In other words, your shipment won’t move until the paperwork matches up.

Structure of an EORI Number

An EORI number follows a simple format: it starts with a two-letter country code, followed by a unique sequence of numbers and, in some cases, letters.

• A UK EORI number starts with GB, followed by your company’s unique ID, such as GB123456789000.
• A Northern Ireland EORI number starts with XI, for example XI123456789000.
• An EU EORI number starts with the EU member state’s country code, for instance, FR123456789000 for France or DE123456789000 for Germany.

How to Know Which Type of EORI Number You Need

The type of EORI number you need depends on where your goods are moving.

• If your business trades goods to or from Great Britain, you’ll need an EORI number that starts with GB.
• If you’re trading goods to or from Northern Ireland, you may also need an XI EORI number. However, if your business already holds an EU-issued EORI number, you won’t need an XI number.
• If your business needs to make customs declarations or apply for customs decisions in the EU, you’ll need an EU EORI number.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining an EORI Number in the UK?

To apply for a UK EORI number, your business usually needs a UK base, such as a registered office, headquarters, or permanent business establishment. A permanent business establishment means a fixed location where your company carries out regular operations, typically where your HR and technical resources are based.

Even if your business isn’t based in the UK, you may still need an EORI number if you handle customs declarations, transit shipments, or international freight. You’ll also need one if you want to apply for a customs guarantee.

If you’re not eligible to apply directly, you can appoint a customs representative – such as Goodwille – to manage the process for you.

Both VAT-registered and non-VAT-registered businesses can apply for an EORI number.

How to Apply for a UK EORI Number

You can apply for an GB EORI number online. You’ll need the following details:

• Your business start date
• Your Government Gateway user ID and password (to sign in)
• Your VAT registration number and the date of registration (if you’re VAT registered)

If your business is based in the UK, you’ll also need:

• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which is provided when you set up your company or register for self-assessment
• Your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, which is listed on Companies House
• Your National Insurance number, if you’re an individual or sole trader

How Long Does it Take to Get an EORI Number in the UK?

Most EORI applications are approved instantly. You’ll receive your GB EORI number immediately unless HMRC needs to carry out additional checks, in which case, it can take up to five working days.

How to Apply for an XI EORI Number

To get started, you’ll first need to apply for a GB EORI number. Once that’s in place, you can then apply for an XI EORI through HMRC’s online registration form.

You’ll need to provide:

• Your XI VAT number, if you have one
• Any EU VAT numbers your business holds

Once your application is complete, you’ll usually receive your XI EORI number within five working days.

How to Apply for an EU EORI Number

If your business trades within the EU, you’ll need an EU-issued EORI number to move goods smoothly across borders. How you apply depends on where your business is based.

If your company is already established in the EU, the process is simple – you can apply directly through your own country’s customs authority.

If your business is based outside the EU, you’ll need to apply through the customs authority of the first EU country your goods enter. So, if your first shipment lands in the Netherlands, you’d apply through Dutch Customs before trading anywhere else in the EU.

Using Your EORI Number in the UK

Now you’ve got your EORI number, let’s run through where you’ll need to use it.

When Is an EORI Number Required in the UK?

You’ll need an EORI number any time your business imports or exports goods through the UK. This applies whether you handle customs yourself or use a freight forwarder or customs agent to do it for you.

You’ll also need it when using official UK customs systems like the Customs Declaration Service – the online platform where import and export paperwork is submitted – or the Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI), which manages goods entering Northern Ireland.

Finally, if you ever apply for special permissions or decisions from HMRC relating to customs (for example, a duty deferment account or simplified import process), your EORI number will be required there too.

Where to Include the EORI Number

Your EORI number should appear on all key customs and shipping paperwork. This includes your commercial invoices, customs declarations, and any documentation you share with freight forwarders or couriers.

Updating Your Details

If your business details change, such as your company name, address, or VAT status, you’ll need to update your EORI record with HMRC to stay compliant.

VAT-registered businesses can do this easily through their VAT online account. If you’re not VAT registered, you’ll need to complete the relevant HMRC update form for your EORI type (GB or XI).

Common Issues With EORI Numbers

Although applying for an EORI number is usually straightforward, some mistakes can hold things up:

• Errors in the application – even small typos or missing details can lead to delays.
• VAT mismatches – if your VAT records and EORI application don’t line up, customs systems may flag your application. Goodwille can ensure both applications are aligned which will prevent future problems.
• Using the wrong type of EORI – for example, trying to use an EU number for UK customs (or vice versa).

Avoid Issues By Working With Corporate Governance Advisors

These issues are easy to miss but can cause big delays at the border. By working with our corporate governance advisors, you can avoid them entirely. We’ll make sure all your details match correctly, liaise directly with HMRC, and guide you through every step – so your EORI number is ready to use without complications.

Let Our Team Guide Yours

Expanding into the UK? Let Goodwille Handle Your EORI Setup

We take the complexity out of UK compliance, managing your EORI registration and setup from start to finish – so you can expand with confidence.

Here’s how we solve the problems most businesses face:

• Clarity where there’s confusion – We simplify the entire EORI process, explaining exactly what you need and taking care of the details, so there’s no guesswork or wasted effort.
• Compliance without the stress – With 25+ years’ experience supporting international companies in the UK, we make sure everything is set up correctly from day one.
• Tailored to your setup – Whether you’re a Nordic startup testing the market or a US-based enterprise expanding operations, we adapt our support to fit your business model.

Find out how our corporate governance services can support your expansion and keep you compliant at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked in relation to EORI numbers.

Do I Need an EORI Number as a Small Business?

Yes, if your small business imports or exports goods between the UK, the EU, or other countries, you’ll need an EORI number.

What Is an EORI Number Used For?

Your EORI number tells customs who your business is. It’s used across the EORI system to record and track customs activities and the movement of goods in international trade – between the UK, the EU, and the rest of the world.

For UK businesses or businesses trading in the UK, being EORI registered ensures that all import and export procedures run smoothly and that your customs paperwork accurately matches your company’s details.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an EORI Number?

Applying for an EORI number is free of charge. You can make a GB EORI application online through HMRC or let Goodwille manage the process for you, ensuring the right type of number is registered correctly the first time, with no delays or missed details.

Can I Use My EORI Number to Track Shipments Coming into the UK?

Your EORI number helps customs identify your business, but it can’t be used to directly track shipments coming into the UK. You’ll need to use your carrier or freight forwarder’s tracking system for live updates.

What is Temporary Admission and Do I Need an EORI Number For It?

Temporary admission allows you to bring goods into the UK for a limited time without paying import duties. You’ll still need an EORI number to make the necessary customs declarations for this process.

How Can I Check My EORI Number?

You can check your EORI number on the official UK Government website. To confirm the details, you’ll need the business name and business address the number is registered to. It’s a simple way to make sure everything’s correct before moving goods or partnering with another company.