Economic Operators Registration and Identification number UK (EORI)

With Brexit approaching fast and a no deal Brexit, HMRC has been pre-emptive and made it compulsory for any business that moves goods into or out of the UK to hold a Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI) , not having one could result in costs and delays to your goods. Such as HMRC not clearing your goods which will then result in you having to pay storage fees along with not being able to have your goods ready for sale.

What is an EORI Number?

A EORI Number is a identification number that customs use to identify your company for all customs procedures. Customs authorities will be able to use the EORI Number when exchanging information between themselves and government departments and agencies. The purpose of an EORI number is for statistics and security.

Format of an EORI Number

There are 2 parts to a EORI number:

• the country code of the issuing Member State (example: Great Britain (GB); which is then followed by
• a code or number that is unique in the Member State (in Great Britain it will be 12 digits long and If you’re VAT registered; the 12 digits will include your VAT registration number)

Who needs an EORI Number

Anyone who is importing commercial goods from outside the UK (or exporting in the opposite direction) will be required to have an EORI number.

Even economic operators not incorporated or established in the UK must have a UK EORI number if they wish to import in or export out of the UK.

If you’re moving goods within the UK or importing products for your own private use you won’t need an EORI number.

Other Information on EORI

If you want to or are trading with an EU country you will be also required to register an EU EORI number separate from your UK EORI number.

The EU EORI will start with the country code of the EU country you got it from. You can obtain your EU EOR from the customs authorities in the EU country you’ll trade with first, please visit here to find out more.

How do I Apply for a UK EORI Number

To apply for a UK EORI Number you will need the following information.

For a Company

• VAT number and effective date of registration – these are on your VAT registration certificate (if you are VAT registered, if not then please disregard)
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
• Business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
• Government Gateway user ID and password (If you do not already have a user ID, you’ll be able to create one when you apply)
• A registered address to receive your UK EORI

For an Individual

• National Insurance number – if you’re an individual or a sole trader
• Government Gateway user ID and password (If you do not already have a user ID, you’ll be able to create one when you apply)
• A registered address to receive your UK EORI

Once the application has been completed it will take up to 5 business days to receive your UK EORI depending on the checks required from HMRC.

You may have to wait 48 hours once you have received your UK EORI number to use your UK EORI number for customs declarations in the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.