Validate Economic Operators Registration and Identification numbers for EU customs
The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier required for customs clearance throughout the European Union. Introduced on July 1, 2009, under EU customs regulations, the EORI system replaced fragmented national identification schemes with a unified framework that works across all member states.
Unlike VAT numbers which relate to taxation, EORI numbers are specifically designed for customs operations. Any business or individual that imports goods into the EU, exports goods from the EU, or moves goods in transit through EU territory must have an EORI number. This requirement applies regardless of the value or frequency of shipments, though some member states offer exemptions for occasional personal imports.
The key advantage of the EORI system is its EU-wide validity. Once you obtain an EORI number from any member state, that number is recognized at every customs point throughout the EU. You do not need separate registrations for different countries—a single EORI allows you to clear goods at any EU port, airport, or border crossing.
The EORI requirement is triggered by customs activities involving countries outside the European Union. Within the EU single market, goods move freely without customs formalities, so EORI numbers are not needed for intra-EU trade. However, any movement of goods across the EU's external border requires an EORI.
When goods arrive at an EU port from a non-EU country such as China, the United States, or Switzerland, customs declarations must include the EORI number of the importer. The importer is typically the business that owns the goods and will take possession of them within the EU. Without a valid EORI, the goods cannot be released from customs control.
Similarly, when shipping goods from the EU to destinations outside the customs territory, the exporter must provide their EORI number on export declarations. This enables customs authorities to track the movement and verify that export regulations are being followed, including any licensing requirements for controlled goods.
Even if goods are merely passing through EU territory without entering free circulation, an EORI may be required depending on the transit procedure used. Goods moving under the Common Transit Convention, for example, require the EORI of the principal (the party responsible for the transit operation).
Beyond basic import and export, various customs simplifications and authorizations require an EORI as a prerequisite. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, customs warehousing approvals, inward and outward processing permissions, and other special procedures all require an active EORI registration.
The European Commission provides an official EORI validation tool through the Taxation and Customs Union website. This tool queries the central EORI database maintained by customs authorities across all EU member states, returning real-time validation results.
To verify an EORI number, enter it in the search field on the validation page. The system accepts numbers with or without spaces and common separators. After submitting your query, you will receive either a confirmation with registered details or a notification that the number was not found.
When an EORI number is valid, the system returns the registration details including the registered name and address of the economic operator. This information allows you to verify that the EORI belongs to the company you expect. The result also shows the country of registration and the date the number became valid.
An invalid result indicates the number was not found in the EORI database. Before concluding the number is wrong, check for common entry errors: missing country code prefix, incorrect number of digits, or typing mistakes. EORI formats vary by country, so verify you have the correct format for the issuing member state.
If the format appears correct but validation fails, the number may have been invalidated by customs authorities. EORI numbers can be deactivated when a business ceases trading, changes legal form, or at the operator's request. Historical data is retained for ten years after invalidation.
All EU EORI numbers follow a common structure: the two-letter ISO country code of the issuing member state followed by a unique identifier. The unique identifier portion varies by country—some use the national VAT number, others use a separate sequence, and some use combinations with the business registration number.
Common formats include:
The maximum length for an EORI number is 17 characters including the country code. For detailed format specifications for all 27 EU member states, see our EORI Formats by Country guide.
Verifying EORI numbers before customs declarations protects your business from delays and additional costs. When an invalid EORI is submitted on import or export documentation, customs authorities will reject the declaration and hold the goods until corrections are made.
Held goods incur storage charges at ports and terminals, which can accumulate rapidly—especially for time-sensitive shipments or perishable goods. Beyond direct costs, delays disrupt supply chains and can damage business relationships. A few minutes spent verifying EORI numbers before shipment can prevent days of complications.
For businesses acting as customs agents or freight forwarders, verification is particularly important. Submitting declarations with invalid customer EORI numbers creates liability issues and reputational damage. Professional standards require verification as part of due diligence procedures.
A common source of confusion is the relationship between EORI and VAT numbers. While some countries construct EORI numbers from VAT numbers, they serve entirely different purposes and are managed by different authorities.
VAT numbers are issued by tax authorities for Value Added Tax purposes. They are required for businesses making taxable supplies and enable intra-community trade under the reverse charge mechanism. VAT registration thresholds mean not all businesses need VAT numbers.
EORI numbers are issued by customs authorities for customs purposes. They are required for any customs activity regardless of business size or VAT status. A sole trader importing goods for personal use needs an EORI even if they have no VAT obligations.
Having a VAT number does not automatically grant you an EORI, and vice versa. Most businesses engaged in international trade need both, but they must be obtained through separate registration processes with different authorities.
Since Brexit, businesses trading between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and the EU require separate GB EORI numbers. These numbers begin with GB followed by 12 digits and cannot be verified through the EU EORI validation tool. HMRC provides a separate verification service for GB EORI numbers.
Northern Ireland has a unique status under the Protocol, remaining within EU customs territory for goods. Northern Irish businesses can have both XI-prefix EORI numbers (for EU trade) and GB-prefix numbers (for trade with Great Britain). XI numbers can be verified through the standard EU tool.
For businesses trading with both the EU and UK, understanding which EORI applies where is essential. Our XI Numbers and Brexit guide provides detailed coverage of these arrangements.
If you need an EORI number for your business, the application process is straightforward in most EU countries. You apply to the customs authority in the member state where your business is established. For businesses established outside the EU, you can apply in any member state where you first conduct customs operations, though certain countries have additional requirements.
The registration is typically free of charge, though some countries may charge nominal administrative fees. Processing times vary from same-day issuance in countries with fully electronic systems to several weeks in others. It is advisable to apply well before your first planned customs operation to avoid shipment delays.
Our detailed guide on How to Get an EORI Number covers the application process, required documentation, and country-specific considerations for businesses establishing their first EORI registration.
Several common issues can cause EORI verification to fail even when the underlying number is valid. Understanding these helps troubleshoot verification problems efficiently.
Format errors: Different countries have different EORI formats. A number valid in one format may fail if entered in another. Check the correct format for the issuing country.
Spaces and separators: Some countries issue EORI numbers with spaces (e.g., NL123456789 00000) while others do not. The validation tool generally handles both, but copy-paste errors can introduce problematic characters.
Recent registrations: Newly issued EORI numbers may take a few days to propagate to the central validation database. If a customer claims recent registration, allow time for the system to update.
Invalidated numbers: Numbers can be invalidated if the business ceases operations or requests deactivation. Periodic re-verification of regular trading partners catches these changes.
Implementing systematic EORI verification procedures protects your customs operations from preventable delays. Verify numbers when onboarding new suppliers or customers, and re-verify periodically for ongoing relationships. Store verification records with your customs documentation for audit purposes.
For high-volume operations, consider API integration for automated verification. The European Commission provides technical specifications for systems that need real-time validation capabilities beyond manual web queries.
Train staff involved in customs declarations on EORI requirements and verification procedures. Many delays result from administrative errors that proper training prevents. Ensure everyone understands that EORI verification is as important as checking other shipment documentation.
