{"id":1152,"date":"2025-10-09T12:12:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/what-is-an-eori-number\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T12:13:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T12:13:24","slug":"what-is-an-eori-number","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/","title":{"rendered":"How to apply for (and check) an EORI number (2025 guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need an EORI number if your business imports or exports goods from the UK. Since the UK left the European Union, the type of EORI number you need may have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s everything you need to know about getting (and checking) an EORI number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what\">What is an EORI number?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#who\">Who needs an EORI number?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#types\">Types of EORI numbers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#how-long\">How long does it take?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#check\">How to check an EORI number<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#dont\">What happens if you don\u2019t have one?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#key-takeaways\">Key takeaways \u2013 EORI number<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#faqs\">Common EORI FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\">What is an EORI number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique ID used by UK businesses and individuals that trade goods internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your EORI number will be 12 digits long, start with &#8216;GB&#8217; and, if you\u2019re <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/vat-registration-threshold-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1556\">VAT registered<\/a>, it\u2019ll include your VAT registration number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s required when importing or exporting goods between the UK and non-EU countries, and in some cases, when moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your EORI number helps UK customs authorities track and process shipments efficiently. Without one, your goods could be delayed at the border or even refused clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only exception is trade between Northern Ireland and Ireland \u2013 you won\u2019t need an EORI number to buy and sell between these two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an EORI number used for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An EORI number is used by customs to manage businesses that import or export physical goods to another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EORI numbers are used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">identify traders that import or export goods to other countries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">complete customs declarations and clearances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who\">Who needs an EORI number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need an EORI number if you or your business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">moves goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and any other country (including Northern Ireland, the EU, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">imports or export goods for commercial purposes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">appoints someone to handle customs processes on your behalf (e.g. a freight agent or courier)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">submit customs declarations, Intrastat reports, or import VAT returns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you only provide services and don\u2019t move physical goods, you usually don\u2019t need an EORI number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\">Types of EORI numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are different types of EORI numbers depending on your trading location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>When it\u2019s used<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Example format<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>GB EORI<\/strong><\/td><td>For trading goods between Great Britain and non-EU countries<\/td><td>GB123456789000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>XI EORI<\/strong><\/td><td>For trading goods between Northern Ireland and the EU<\/td><td>XI123456789000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>EU EORI<\/strong><\/td><td>For trading within the EU (for EU-based businesses)<\/td><td>Varies by country (for example NL for Netherlands, FR for France)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you already have an EORI number but it doesn\u2019t start with GB, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll need to apply for a new one. Meanwhile, if you\u2019re sending goods to and from Northern Ireland, you may need an extra EORI number that begins with XI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-get-an-eori-number\">How to get an EORI number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can apply for an EORI number online through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/eori\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">official UK government website<\/a>. It\u2019s free and is usually issued within a few minutes, though complex cases can take up to five working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Choose whether you need a GB or XI number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Sign in using your Government Gateway ID (or create one)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Enter your business details, including your:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-a-utr-number\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1195\">Unique Taxpayer Reference <\/a>(UTR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">VAT number (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">National Insurance number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">business start date and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-a-sic-code\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"935\">Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)<\/a> code (in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-register-with-companies-house\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"850\">Companies House<\/a> register)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">Submit the form and wait for confirmation by email<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll receive your EORI number via email once your application is approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may need to apply for more than one EORI number, as you\u2019ll need one for each location you\u2019re exporting and importing to. Check the table above to see which EORI numbers you need and apply for each of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long\">How long does it take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most applications are processed automatically and completed within a few minutes. However, if your business information needs manual verification, it can take up to five working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reminder: your business needs to be based in the country you\u2019re moving goods to or from<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business will usually need to be based in the country you want to import to or export from \u2013 this is known as \u2018being established\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government website has more information on getting an EORI number if your business isn\u2019t based in the country you\u2019re moving goods to or from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"check\">How to check an EORI number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as applying for your own EORI number, you may need to check another business\u2019s EORI number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you can check UK EORI numbers on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-eori-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">UK government website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you can check EU EORI numbers on the <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/taxation_customs\/dds2\/eos\/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">European Commission\u2019s website<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On either website, enter the EORI number into the field and check the details are what you\u2019re expecting to see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the number is invalid, go back to your trading partner and double check you have the correct one. You can also request confirmation from the relevant customs authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dont\">What happens if you don\u2019t have one?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you try to move goods without an EORI number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your goods may be <strong>held at customs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you could face <strong>additional charges or delays<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your courier or freight forwarder may refuse to handle your shipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applying before your first shipment ensures smoother customs clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways \u2013 EORI number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">an EORI number is essential for importing or exporting goods out of the UK<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you can apply via the government website for free<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">keep your EORI number handy for customs declarations and shipping paperwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">without an EORI number, you risk delays or penalties at the border<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">Common EORI FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I check if I already have an EORI number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes \u2013 you can check if you already have an EORI number by using the<strong> <\/strong>EORI number validation tool on the <a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/taxation_customs\/dds2\/eos\/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">EU Commission\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do sole traders need an EORI number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if you\u2019re a sole trader who imports or exports goods, you\u2019ll still need an EORI number \u2013 even if you\u2019re not VAT-registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need both a GB and XI EORI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need both a GB and XI EORI number if you move goods between Northern Ireland and the EU as well as between Great Britain and other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does an EORI number cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EORI numbers are free to apply for on the government website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many EORI numbers do I need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The amount of EORI numbers you need depends on where you\u2019re importing and exporting goods. You may only need a UK EORI number, or you may need EU or Northern Ireland EORI numbers too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-guides-for-small-business-owners\">More guides for small business owners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1063\" href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/eu-to-uk-imports\/\"><strong>Rules you need to know if you import or export from the EU<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/eu-to-uk-imports\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"943\"><strong>Brexit VAT changes: a guide for small businesses<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\"><strong>Self Assessment and tax resource<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/how-much-business-insurance-do-i-need\/\"><strong>How much business insurance do I need?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"readytosetupyourcover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ultimate guide to importing and exporting for UK businesses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3997,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,347],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1152","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-retail"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to apply for (and check) an EORI number (2025 guide)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what an EORI number is, who needs one, and how to apply for free. Essential for UK importers and exporters in 2025.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to apply for (and check) an EORI number (2025 guide)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The ultimate guide to importing and exporting for UK businesses.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-09T12:13:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/what-is-an-eori-number.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"How to apply for (and check) an EORI number (2025 guide)\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Rosanna Parrish\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/what-is-an-eori-number\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Rosanna Parrish\",\"description\":\"Rosanna Parrish is a Copywriter at Simply Business specialising in side hustles \u2013 as well as all things freelance, social media, and ecommerce. 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