EORI Number
The EORI number (Economic Operators‘ Registration and Identification number) is a unique identification number required by companies and individuals who import goods into the EU or export them from the EU. This number is issued by customs authorities and serves to simplify and accelerate communication between companies and customs authorities in the EU.
1. Application for the EORI Number
The EORI number must be applied for by companies and individuals who regularly conduct import or export business with the EU, at the competent customs authorities. In Germany, the application is made via the online portal of the customs (Generalzolldirektion). The applicant must provide various information about the company or person, such as the legal form, commercial register entries, and tax numbers.
After application, the EORI number is usually issued quickly. It is important that companies must have this number before the first import or export, as no customs clearance can take place without a valid EORI number.
2. Necessity of the EORI Number
The EORI number is mandatory for anyone wishing to import goods into the EU or export them from the EU. It facilitates identification and communication between economic operators and customs authorities within the European Union. Companies without an EORI number are not allowed to conduct import or export business, as this number is absolutely necessary for all customs procedures.
In addition to unique identification in customs clearance, the EORI number also serves to better control and monitor goods flows within the EU and supports the EU-wide security strategy.
3. One-time Issuance and Validity of the EORI Number
An EORI number is issued to a company or a natural person only once and is valid throughout the EU. The number remains permanently valid as long as the company or person is actively engaged in trade and does not withdraw the EORI number. An advantage of this one-time issuance is the time and cost savings in future customs processes, as the number can be reused at any time.
If a company changes its legal form or if the stored data changes significantly, it is advisable to inform the customs authorities to ensure that the EORI number remains valid and matches the current company data.
Specific Application Areas of the EORI Number
1. Import of Goods into the EU
Every company that imports goods from a third country into the EU requires an EORI number. During the import process, the EORI number serves to uniquely identify the company to the customs authorities, so that all customs formalities can be handled efficiently and correctly. This includes customs declarations, submission of import documents, and payment of applicable import duties.
2. Export of Goods from the EU
The EORI number is also required for exports. Companies that deliver goods to countries outside the EU must state the EORI number in the export declaration. Customs authorities use the number to uniquely identify exporters and to make export processes transparent and traceable. This is particularly important for the security and traceability of international goods flows.
3. Customs Clearance and Formalities
The EORI number is used for the declaration of goods and in all customs procedures within the EU. This includes the issuance of customs documents, e.g., export and import certificates, and the processing of special customs procedures such as transit traffic, temporary import, or temporary export of goods. This number ensures that all customs authorities in the EU can easily access company data, which speeds up and simplifies processing.
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4. Claiming Customs Benefits
Certain customs benefits, such as customs exemption for specific goods or the use of customs simplification procedures, require an EORI number. For example, if a company wishes to apply for the „Authorized Economic Operator“ (AEO) status certificate, the EORI number is also required. This certificate allows for simplifications in customs clearance, such as reduced controls and prioritized processing.
5. Exchange with other EU Customs Authorities
The EORI number simplifies the exchange between the customs authorities of the various EU member states. If a company is active in several EU countries or regularly handles cross-border goods flows within the EU, the EORI number facilitates cross-border customs clearance. This is particularly relevant for the application of procedures such as „free circulation,“ when goods are allowed to circulate duty-free within the EU.
The EORI number is therefore a central element for companies in international trade and supports smooth and compliant customs clearance for both import and export.
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