What is the EORI number and why is it important for your international shipments? – Packlink PRO

The EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier assigned to companies, freelancers and individuals who carry out cross-border business activities within the European Union (EU).

This number is required both for activities within the EU and for commercial transactions between Member States and countries outside the European Union.

The EORI system, which was introduced in the EU by Regulation (EC) No 312/2009 and came into force on 1 July 2009, is used to register and track all customs operations. This allows the authorities to manage international trade more efficiently, ensure compliance with national regulations, optimise customs formalities and ensure the correct and timely collection of duties and taxes.

Why is the EORI number necessary?

Without an EORI number, many customs procedures within the EU cannot be completed and international shipments cannot be made in accordance with the applicable regulations. In addition, in many countries outside the EU, an EORI number is also required to process incoming or outgoing goods correctly.

Remember that if you are sending a parcel outside the European Union, you must complete and attach the customs invoice to the parcel.

Who needs an EORI number?

Companies that import or export products (not necessary for digital services).
Freelancers who regularly conduct international commercial transactions.
Individuals who manage recurring commercial shipments, such as the sale of products through digital platforms.

Important

If a company or economic operator sends a parcel outside the European Union without an EORI number, this may result in delays in the shipping process, incidents in customs clearance, the application of penalties and even the return of the shipment at its origin due to non-compliance with the established legal requirements. This could also generate additional charges, which will be invoiced to the person who purchased the service.

Go to the top of the page

Is the EORI number mandatory?

It will always be required for shipments resulting from commercial operations involving the movement of goods across borders.

The absence of the EORI number may block the shipment until the economic operator requests and obtains its code, both for operations within the EU and for shipments to non-EU countries.

Exceptions

Non-commercial transactions. Those shipments that are not related to commercial activities, such as personal parcels between private individuals, do not normally require an EORI number. This includes the sending of: gifts, personal effects or items that are not part of a purchase or sale transaction. However, it is important to check country specific regulations because additional restrictions may apply depending on the content or value of the parcel.

Important

Customs agents are very strict about non-commercial shipments and verify that it is not a disguised sale (undeclared). If the authorities discover that a shipment is in fact a covered commercial transaction, they could impose sanctions such as confiscating the goods, imposing penalties or even blocking the shipment. In addition, the sender could face an investigation for customs fraud.

How does the EORI number affect your international shipments?

Efficient customs procedures. After registering your company or commercial activity with an EORI number, customs authorities can easily identify your imports and exports, allowing them to be processed smoothly.
Regulatory compliance. The EORI number guarantees that you comply with all the requirements set by customs authorities, such as the correct classification of goods, payment of customs duties and compliance with local and international legislation applicable to each commercial operation.
Reduce of legal risks. Not having an EORI number can lead to legal issues, such as sanctions, penalties, or the retention of the goods at customs. Having this number ensures that all your import and export operations are carried out in accordance with the current regulations.
Access to international markets. In some countries, it is mandatory to have an EORI number to access certain markets. By having this number, your business demonstrates that it is properly registered and complies with legal requirements, making it easier to negotiate and collaborate with other companies or suppliers in international trade.

How to obtain an EORI number?

The process of obtaining an EORI number is free of charge and may vary depending on the country. While it is usually requested in person through the national customs authority and can take several days, in most cases, it is also possible to apply online by completing a form.

Below we provide a list of links to the official customs websites for each country where you can find detailed steps on how to apply for your EORI number:

To contact the customs authorities of other EU Member States, please consult this page.

EORI number format

The EORI number consists of a two-letter code representing the issuing country, followed by a unique identifier in the Member State which can be up to 15 alphanumeric characters (with letters and numbers).

The format varies according to the issuing country, but usually follows the pattern below:

Germany: DE + USt. -IdNr or Steuernummer (Example: DE123456789)
Spain: ES + CIF or NIF (Example: ESB12345678)
Francia: FR + SIREN or SIRET (Example: FR12345678901)
France: IT + Codice Fiscale or PIVA (Example: IT12345678901)
Netherlands: NL + BTW-nummer (Example: NL123456789B01)
Portugal: PT + NIPC orNIF (Example: PT123456789)
United Kingdom: GB + VAT Number (Example: GB123456123456)

How to check if an EORI number is valid?

The European Commission has launched an online validation tool to verify the authenticity of an EORI number. This tool is useful for businesses and individuals who need to confirm whether a business or supplier's EORI number is correct and properly registered in the EU database.