Economic operators registration and identification number (EORI)

What is an EORI number?

EORI stands for “Economic operators registration and identification”. 

An EORI number is mandatory for customs clearance in the customs territory of the European Union. That relates to all types of customs operations such as export, import and transit. 

EORI uniquely identifies economic operators and other persons. At a certain point in time, a person can be assigned only one valid EORI number. Economic operators must communicate this number to the customs authorities of the Member States for customs operations. 

By having one common type of identification number across the EU both economic operators and customs authorities benefit from more efficiency in customs clearance, statistical and security purposes.Who needs an EORI number? 

• Any economic operator established in the EU customs territory.  
• Economic operators who are not established in EU customs territory, but are carrying out the following customs activities:
  • lodging customs declarations
  • lodging entry summary declarations (ENS)
  • lodging exit summary declarations (EXS)
  • lodging declarations for temporary storage
  • if they act as a carrier.
• Persons other than economic operators – if required by the national legislation of the Member State in question or by other EU legal acts, or if they engage in activities for which an EORI number must be provided. 

Where can you request an EORI number?

EORI numbers can only be assigned by a single customs authority:

• For economic operators established in EU customs territory, this is the national customs authority of the Member State where they are established.
• For economic operators with no establishment in EU customs territory, this is the Member State in which they intend to carry out their first customs operation, i.e. lodge a declaration or apply for a decision.
• For non-EU economic operators with multiple permanent business establishments in EU customs territory, this can be any of the Member States where they have an establishment. 

Format of the EORI number

The EORI number consists of:

• A country code of the issuing Member State (2 letters); followed by
• An identifier that is unique in the Member State (up to 15 alphanumeric characters)

Invalidation of EORI numbers

EORI numbers do not have an expiration date. However, they can be invalidated upon request, or if the trader’s business activities cease. After this, the recorded EORI data is kept for 10 years. 

Checking an EORI number

Check if an EORI number or the name/address of a registered person are valid: 

EORI validation interface 

Guidance document

Related links

EORI eLearning course  

EORI – national implementation