If you’re looking to expand your business internationally or have suppliers abroad, you’ve probably already heard of EORI numbers.
From 1 January 2021, UK-based businesses will now need an EORI number (starting with GB) to import or export goods to and from the EU.
The registration process can seem daunting if you are just starting to import or export. But don’t worry.
Everything you need to know about the EORI system, who can register, how to apply and where to get help is here.
What is an EORI number?
An EORI number (short for Economic Business Registration and Identification Number) is a unique identification code used to track and register customs information in the EU.
Used by customs and other authorities to monitor and track shipments in and out of the European Union.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
Businesses importing goods into or exporting goods from the European Union require an EORI number. This number is used to exchange information with customs.
From 1 January 2021, a UK EORI number is required for businesses importing goods into or exporting goods from the UK.
An EORI number may be required when moving goods.
- Between the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) or the Isle of Man and any other country (including the EU)
- Between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- between England and the Channel Islands
- Between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries
If your company is part of a larger holding group, it’s helpful to know that applications should be processed by the parent company, not the subsidiary.
Some small businesses are automatically assigned an EORI number.
EORI number is also required If you need a SPIRE export license.
Not required if you are moving items for personal use only, not restricted items.
To obtain an EORI number, you generally need to have a place of business in the country where you are importing the goods. The facility must be one of the following:
- registered office
- central headquarters
- A permanent place of business where some customs-related activities are performed and where HR and technical resources are permanently located
However, even if your facility is not located in the country from which you are moving goods or to which you are moving goods, you can still obtain an EORI number if:
- Preparation of customs declaration
- Immigration summary report
- Creating an exit shorthand declaration
- Declaration of temporary storage
- Temporary entry customs declaration or re-export declaration with guarantee
- Act as a carrier for goods transported by sea, inland waterway, or air
- I would like to act as a carrier connected to the customs system and receive notifications regarding accommodation or amendments to my immigration summary declaration
- Established in a common transit country where the declaration is filed or used as a pre-departure declaration, rather than an entry summary declaration
If you are not eligible to apply for an EORI number yourself, you will need to have someone handle customs for you, and that person will need your EORI number.
EORI number format
An EORI number consists of a country code indicating where an organization or individual is registered and a unique code or number. For GB Business, the numbers are structured as follows:
- VAT Registered Business: GB + VRN (VAT Registration Number) + 000
- Non-VAT Registered Business: GB + unique number issued by HMRC
Please note that some UK customs systems may require an EORI number starting with GB.
How to apply for an EORI number
If you are based in the UK, you will need to complete the correct paperwork to obtain your EORI number.
Apply for an EORI number starting with GB
To apply for an EORI number, you will need:
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – find your UTR you don’t know it
- Commencement date and Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code – these are company family register
- government gateway User ID and password
- VAT number and effective date of registration (if VAT registered) – these can be found on your VAT registration certificate
- National Insurance Number – if you are an individual or sole proprietorship
If you don’t already have a Government Gateway User ID, you can create one during your application.
A GB EORI number will be obtained immediately unless HMRC needs to check the application. In that case, it may take up to 5 business days.
Apply for an EORI number starting with XI
An XI EORI number is also required when moving goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries. In this case the number starts with XI.
Before you can get an XI EORI number, you must apply for a GB EORI number.
To apply, you will need:
- XI VAT number (if you have one)
- VAT number issued by an EU member state
- Two copies of a document proving a permanent place of business in Northern Ireland, such as a bank statement or utility bill
However, if your business address is on your GB EORI application, or if your business is not based in Northern Ireland but requires an EORI for other reasons, a permanent business in Northern Ireland No proof of location will be required.
Which application should I fill out?
Use this application to register your GB EORI number.
Use this application to register your EORI number starting with XI..
These applications are used for businesses that import or export using courier or freight forwarding services. A separate form will be required if he applies for an EORI number to complete the customs declaration himself. If you use the CHIEF (or alternative Customs Declaration Service) or NCTS system, Please use this application process.
What information is required when applying for an EORI number?
The online application process for an EORI number is quite simple, but you will need to have many details on hand to complete.
Please note that you will need to provide details of any shipments you are currently trying to clear through customs within or outside the EU. You cannot fill out the form in advance. If you omit this information, your application will be rejected.
Here’s what you need:
The government website includes the business start date and standard industry classification (SIC) code, unique taxpayer identification number (UTR), and government gateway user ID and password.
Individuals and sole proprietors should also note their National Insurance Number.
How long does it take to apply for EORI?
Once you have successfully completed the paperwork, you will immediately receive your EORI number by email. However, it may take up to a week, so apply now if you need it. HMRC recommends that you check your spam folder if you do not receive the email as it may have been delivered to your spam folder.
EORI number format
An EORI number consists of a country code indicating where an organization or individual is registered and a unique code or number. For GB Business, the numbers are structured as follows:
- VAT Registered Business: GB + VRN (VAT Registration Number) + 000
- Non-VAT Registered Business: GB + unique number issued by HMRC
Please note that some UK customs systems may require an EORI number starting with GB.
An EORI number is also required when moving goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries. In this case the number starts with XI.to get Eori You must already have a number that starts with XI. Eori Numbers starting with GB.
If you are not automatically sent, you can apply online. Eori From December 11, 2020, numbers starting with XI will be issued. You can apply for an EORI number starting with GB and a number starting with XI at the same time. Numbers starting with XI will be retrieved within 4 business days.
EORI checker
Before submitting an application for a new EORI number, you must ensure that your company is not yet registered.
If your company is registered for VAT, an EORI number may have been automatically issued. The EORI number is permanently associated with the company to which it was issued, so if you simply forget your EORI number, you will not be able to get another of his EORI number.
Easily check if your company already has a number EORI number validator.
Even if you’re not sure you need it, it’s worth applying. Application is free.
How to find EORI number from company name
If you need help finding your EORI number, HMRC EORI team using the contact form. However, due to EU-wide data protection regulations, it may not be possible to obtain complete data about a registrant if the registrant has not consented to making their details public.
What if I am not enrolled in EORI?
If you do not have an EORI number, you cannot legally import or export goods from the EU. This is because this number is used for customs declarations on all goods entering or leaving the EU. Not having a number can result in increased costs (such as storage fees) and delays.
How to contact the EORI team
If you need advice or have questions about obtaining an EORI number, you have several options.
- For specific EORI advice, please contact the HMRC EORI team using the details on this page
- For more general questions you can call HMRC on 0300 322 9434.
- Writing to HMRC: HM Revenue and Customs – CITEX Written Inquiry Team, Local Compliance S0000, Newcastle, NE98 1ZZ
If you need to contact the EORI team
The EORI team will help you with the first questions you may have when starting to import or export in the EU. However, he should contact the EORI team for:
- To update company details such as registered name, address and VAT number
- If you are registering for VAT for the first time
- If you don’t want to use the EORI number
- To remove company details from the public EORI database
The EORI number is important if you plan to expand your business abroad or work with suppliers based abroad. Setup is not that difficult. Just follow the steps outlined here and your business could be working across borders in no time.
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