EORI Number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification)
A unique identifier in the EU customs territory used by economic operators for import/export customs formalities.
EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is an identifier, unique throughout the EU customs territory, assigned by a customs authority to an economic operator (or other person) for customs purposes. Any party that imports into or exports out of the EU and needs to lodge a customs declaration or entry/exit summary declaration requires an EORI number for clearance.
Key features: the number starts with a member-state country code (e.g. DE, FR, NL) plus a unique national code; it is valid across the whole EU; EU-established businesses apply to their national customs, while operators established outside the EU are also assigned one if they need to lodge declarations in the EU.
For Chinese exporters: if you use a model like DDP where the seller clears imports into the EU, an EORI number is generally needed (your own or via the importer/intermediary). EORI and VAT registration are separate—having VAT does not automatically make you cleared to declare, so confirm the EORI is active. Post-Brexit the UK uses a separate GB EORI; an EU EORI is not valid for UK clearance. In practice the EORI is often provided by the EU buyer, overseas warehouse/importer or customs broker, so confirm who acts as 'importer' and bears the obligations.
FAQ
- Does a Chinese seller need its own EORI?
- It depends on the clearance model. If the seller clears imports into the EU (e.g. DDP, acting as importer of record) an EORI is usually needed; if the EU buyer or overseas warehouse/importer is the importer, their EORI is used.
- If I have a VAT number, can I clear without an EORI?
- No—they are different. EORI is for customs declarations, VAT is for tax filing. You still need a valid, activated EORI to lodge customs declarations.
- Can an EU EORI be used for UK clearance?
- No. Post-Brexit the UK uses a separate GB EORI; UK clearance requires a GB EORI, while an EU EORI only applies in EU member states.
Sources: https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-procedures/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en · https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Duties-and-taxes/EORI-number/eori-number_node.html