An EORI number is required by any UK business importing or exporting commercial goods. This free guide from our Portishead team explains what an EORI number is, who needs one, how to get an EORI number from HMRC and how long UK EORI registration takes. No jargon. No sign-up required.
What Is an EORI Number?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique reference number issued by HMRC that identifies your business in customs declarations. Every UK business importing or exporting goods commercially requires a valid UK EORI number before goods can cross the UK border.
Without a valid EORI number, your customs entry cannot be submitted and your goods will be held at the UK port or airport of arrival until the position is resolved.
EORI stands for: Economic Operators Registration and Identification.
Issued by: HMRC.
Cost: Free.
Processing time: 3 to 5 working days in most cases.
Format: GB followed by 12 digits (e.g. GB123456789000).
Do I Need an EORI Number?
You need a UK EORI number if any of the following apply to your business:
- You import goods into the UK commercially from any country outside the UK.
- You export goods from the UK commercially to any country outside the UK.
- You move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for commercial purposes.
- Your freight forwarder or customs agent requires your EORI number to file a customs entry on your behalf.
- You are applying for a customs authorisation such as CFSP, duty deferment or bonded warehousing.
You do not need an EORI number if you are moving personal belongings or household effects internationally. EORI registration applies to commercial cargo only.
How to Get an EORI Number. Step by Step.
UK EORI number registration is managed by HMRC and is free of charge. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Check You Have a Government Gateway Account
You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to access the EORI registration service on the HMRC website. If you do not have one, create one before you begin. It takes approximately 10 minutes to set up.
Step 2: Gather Your Business Details
You will need your VAT registration number (if applicable), your company registration number, your business address and the date your business was established. HMRC uses these to verify your identity before issuing your EORI number.
Step 3: Complete the EORI Application on the HMRC Website
Log in to your Government Gateway account and navigate to the EORI registration service. Complete the online application form with your business details. The form takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Step 4: Receive Your UK EORI Number
In most cases, HMRC issues your EORI number immediately on completion of the online application. In some cases, HMRC may take up to 5 working days to process the application and issue the number. Your EORI number will be sent to the email address registered to your Government Gateway account.
Step 5: Provide Your EORI Number to Your Freight Forwarder
Once you have your EORI number, provide it to your freight forwarder or customs agent. They will include it on every customs entry filed on your behalf. Without a valid EORI number on file, your customs entry cannot be submitted.
What Does a UK EORI Number Look Like?
A UK EORI number always begins with the prefix GB, followed by 12 digits. The 12 digits are typically derived from your VAT registration number with 3 additional zeros added at the end.
GB VAT-registered business: GB + your 9-digit VAT number + 000. Example: GB123456789000.
GB non-VAT-registered business: GB + a unique 12-digit reference assigned by HMRC. Example: GB000000000000.
If you are VAT-registered, your EORI number will almost always follow the GB + VAT number + 000 format. If you are not VAT-registered, HMRC will assign a unique 12-digit reference when your application is processed.
EORI Number for UK Importers. What You Need to Know.
For businesses importing into the UK for the first time, the EORI number is one of the first things to arrange before your cargo moves. Your freight forwarder requires your EORI number before they can submit a CDS import entry on your behalf. If you do not have one when your goods arrive at the UK port or airport, your cargo will be held until the position is resolved, which may result in demurrage or storage charges.
Importing from China
If you are importing from China to the UK for the first time, arrange your UK EORI number registration before placing your order. The 3 to 5 working day processing time means you should apply at least 1 week before your cargo is due to depart.
Importing from the USA
If you are importing from the USA to the UK for the first time, the same EORI requirement applies. Provide your EORI number to your freight forwarder at the time of booking so it is on file before your cargo arrives at the UK port or airport.
How Your EORI Number Is Used in Customs Declarations.
Every customs entry filed through HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS) requires a valid EORI number for the importer or exporter of record. When our Portishead team coordinates your customs entry via our dedicated 3rd party agents at Felixstowe, your EORI number is included on the CDS import or export declaration as the declarant’s economic operator identifier.
Your EORI number is also used by HMRC to track your customs activity, calculate your duty deferment account usage if applicable, and identify your business in any post-clearance compliance checks or audits.
EORI Number Questions Answered.
The most common questions UK businesses ask about EORI number registration and use.
What is an EORI number used for?
An EORI number identifies your business in UK customs declarations. Every CDS import and export entry requires a valid EORI number for the importer or exporter of record. Without one, your customs entry cannot be submitted and your goods will be held at the UK border.
How long does EORI number registration take?
In most cases, HMRC issues an EORI number immediately on completion of the online application. In some cases, HMRC may take up to 5 working days. Apply at least 1 week before your first shipment is due to depart to avoid delays at the UK border.
Is EORI number registration free?
Yes. UK EORI number registration is free of charge and managed by HMRC through the Government Gateway. There is no fee to apply and no renewal fee. Your EORI number remains valid indefinitely unless you deregister or your VAT registration changes significantly.
Do I need an EORI number if I am VAT-registered?
Yes. VAT registration and EORI registration are separate requirements. Being VAT-registered does not automatically give you an EORI number, although your EORI number will typically be derived from your VAT number. You must apply separately through HMRC’s EORI registration service.
Can my freight forwarder apply for an EORI number on my behalf?
No. Your freight forwarder cannot apply for an EORI number on your behalf. EORI registration must be completed by an authorised representative of your business through your own Government Gateway account. Our Portishead team can guide you through the process and confirm what information you will need before you begin.
What happens if my goods arrive at the UK border without an EORI number?
Your goods will be held at the port or airport of arrival. A customs entry cannot be submitted without a valid EORI number for the importer of record. Depending on how long the delay takes to resolve, you may incur demurrage, storage or examination fees from the port or airline. Always arrange your EORI number before your cargo departs.
