So, what is an EORI Number & Do You Need One? Is it something that you should be concerned about? This blog article will give you a complete rundown on what one is, how to get one, and why you may want one.
What is an EORI number?
An EORI Number, or Economic Operator Registration and Identification number, is a European Union registration and identification number for businesses that undertake the import or export of goods into or out of the EU.
The EORI number is a unique identifier given to every business in order to ensure that they are compliant with all trade regulations. The EORI number can be used as an international trading partner’s (ITP) reference number when making an application for tariff preferences or preferential trade treatment.
The EORI number serves as a tool to help businesses comply with the laws that govern their activities, which include customs regulations, health and safety standards, environmental protection requirements, and much more.
When applying for an EORI number, you must provide information about your company’s name, address (including postcode), registration number, and VAT registration number. You must also provide details about your business including its size, how long it has been in existence and what products it sells or manufactures most often.
Some countries require additional information such as whether you are VAT-registered or if there are any existing import/export licenses held by your company.
What is an EORI number used for?
The EORI (Economic Operators´ Registration and Identification) number is a unique number issued by the competent authorities in the European Union that allows customs to identify economic operators and, where necessary, other persons.
The EORI is a number that you will use on your import documentation when you import goods into the EU. It is used to identify you as a customs agent or importer. The EORI can be used on both domestic and non-domestic transactions. This means that it may be used for both domestic and non-domestic purposes, such as importing goods from an EU country or exporting goods from a non-EU country to an EU country.
Who needs an EORI number?
There are three main reasons why you may need an EORI number.
First, if you move goods between Great Britain and any other country, including the EU, you will need an EORI number. This includes moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as between Northern Ireland and countries outside the EU.
Second, if you move goods between Great Britain and another country (including the EU), then you’ll need an EORI number. This includes moving goods between Great Britain and Scotland or Wales, or between England, Scotland and Wales.
Finally, if you move goods from a country outside the EU to another country in Europe (such as China), then you’ll need an EORI number. This includes moving goods from China to England.
When you’ll need your EORI number?
If you appoint someone to deal with customs for you and are ‘established’ in the country you’re importing to or exporting from, then you will need an EORI number. You don’t need an EORI number if:
if you’re a new importer or exporter; or if you’re only making small shipments.
The following table shows which of these situations requires an EORI number:
You’ll need your EORI number if:
- you appoint someone to deal with customs for you and are ‘established’ in the country you’re importing to or exporting from;
- make customs declarations; and/or
- use customs systems, such as CHIEF and Import Control System Northern Ireland (ICS NI ).
How to Get an EORI number
If you’re a business owner, you’ll need an EORI number to apply for your Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number). This is a unique identifier that allows you to access government services.
To apply for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number), you need your unique Taxpayer Reference Number (UTR), business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, Government Gateway user ID, and password, VAT number and effective date of registration (if you’re VAT registered), and National Insurance number.
Conclusion
If you ever plan on doing business within the European Union, then obtaining an EORI number is a vital step toward starting up your business. In fact, every single individual or business that imports or exports across Europe will have to have an EORI number as a part of their customs compliance.
Without it, you cannot legally do any trading within the EU. While this may seem like a major obstacle and potentially detrimental to business owners, if you are aware of what an EORI number is and how it works, then you can actually use it to your advantage to simplify your customs-compliant activities.
0 Comments