EORI Number UK: What It Is, Who Needs It and How to Get One | Custom Clearance

What Is an EORI Number?

EORI stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification. It is a unique reference number assigned to businesses and individuals that import or export goods to or from the United Kingdom.

The EORI number is used to identify traders in all customs procedures and is required on every customs declaration submitted to HMRC. Without one, your goods cannot legally clear UK customs.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

You need a UK EORI number if you:

Import goods into the United Kingdom
Export goods from the United Kingdom
Move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are a freight forwarder or customs agent acting on behalf of importers or exporters
Intend to apply for any customs authorisation or approval

Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and other legal entities can all apply for an EORI number.

What Does a UK EORI Number Look Like?

A UK EORI number begins with the letters GB followed by a 12-digit number. For example: GB123456789000

For businesses registered for VAT in the UK, the EORI number is typically derived from the VAT registration number by adding 000 at the end.

Do I Need Both a UK and EU EORI Number?

Since Brexit, the UK and EU have separate EORI systems. If your business trades with EU countries, you may need:

A GB EORI for UK customs purposes
An EU EORI (issued by an EU member state) for EU customs purposes

Most businesses that regularly trade between the UK and EU will need both. Our team can advise on which EORI numbers apply to your specific trading situation.

How to Register for a UK EORI Number

Option 1: Apply Directly with HMRC

You can apply for a UK EORI number through the HMRC website. You will need:

Your Government Gateway ID and password
Your VAT registration number (if applicable)
Your business name and address
National Insurance number (for sole traders)
UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) if not VAT registered

Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days, though it can sometimes be faster.

Option 2: Use a Customs Agent

If you need an EORI number urgently or are unsure about the application process, we can assist you in obtaining one quickly and correctly. We handle EORI applications for businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to large enterprises.

EORI Number Validation

Before sending goods, you can check whether an EORI number is valid using the European Commission's EORI validation tool, or HMRC's own validation service. This is particularly useful when dealing with new suppliers or customers.

Common EORI Questions

Can I use someone else's EORI number? — No. EORI numbers are specific to each legal entity. Using another company's EORI number is not permitted and could lead to penalties.

Does my EORI number expire? — UK EORI numbers do not automatically expire, but they can be deactivated if your business ceases to trade.

What happens if I don't have an EORI number? — Your goods will be held at the UK border and you will not be able to clear them until an EORI number is obtained.

Do I need a new EORI number if my business changes? — If your business structure changes significantly (e.g., you change from a sole trader to a limited company), you will need to obtain a new EORI number.

Get Help with EORI Registration

At Custom Clearance, we assist businesses with EORI registration as part of our comprehensive customs service. Whether you need a new EORI number or have questions about your existing registration, our team is here to help.