How to Check and Validate an EORI Number
Quick answer
An EORI number is a unique identification code assigned to economic operators importing or exporting goods within the EU customs territory. It is mandatory for customs procedures and essential for compliance with EU trade regulations, including new mechanisms like CBAM.
Key takeaways
- The EORI number is a unique identifier used by customs authorities across the EU for importers, exporters, and other economic operators [1].
- All businesses established in the EU engaging in customs activities must obtain an EORI number from the relevant national customs authority before importing or exporting goods [1:1].
- The EORI number format includes a two-letter Member State code followed by a unique identifier up to 15 alphanumeric characters [2][3].
- The EORI number is required for customs declarations, data exchange, and compliance with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) [4][5].
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date EORI registration information is essential for ongoing customs compliance [6].
- The term “aeo nummer” may be used interchangeably in some EU Member States, especially in German-speaking regions, referring to the EORI number.
What is an EORI Number and Why Do You Need One?
The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identification number assigned by a customs authority to an economic operator or other persons for customs purposes within the EU customs territory [1:2]. The EORI system facilitates the registration and identification of importers, exporters, and other economic operators in customs procedures, ensuring smooth and secure trade operations across the EU single market.
In practice, the EORI number is essential for submitting customs declarations, tracking goods movement, and exchanging data between customs authorities and economic operators. It acts as a single identifier recognized throughout the EU, simplifying interactions with customs administrations and enabling compliance with EU customs legislation [6:1].
For EU importers, the EORI number is indispensable. Without it, customs authorities cannot process import declarations or allow the release of goods into free circulation within the EU. This requirement supports the harmonization of customs controls and enhances security and traceability in international trade.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
The obligation to obtain an EORI number applies primarily to economic operators established in the customs territory of the Union who engage in customs activities such as importing or exporting goods [1:3]. This includes:
- Companies and businesses importing goods into the EU single market.
- Exporters sending goods outside the EU customs territory.
- Other persons involved in customs procedures, such as customs representatives or freight forwarders.
Private individuals sending goods occasionally for personal use may be exempt, depending on the nature and quantity of goods, but businesses must have an EORI number to perform customs-related activities [1:4].
In addition, the EORI number is required for entities involved in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as authorised CBAM declarants or importers, ensuring traceability and compliance with this new EU environmental regulation [4:1].
How to Obtain and Use Your EORI Number
To obtain an EORI number, an economic operator must apply to the customs authority of the Member State where they are established. The application process involves submitting company details and relevant documentation to verify the operator’s identity and business activities [1:5].
Once assigned, the EORI number consists of two parts:
- The Member State code, which is the two-letter ISO alpha-2 country code of the issuing Member State.
- A unique identifier of up to 15 alphanumeric characters assigned by that Member State [2:1][3:1].
For example, a German EORI number might start with “DE” followed by the unique identifier.
The EORI number must be used in all customs declarations and communications with customs authorities. It is the key reference number for customs clearance, import/export declarations, and electronic data exchange systems [6:2].
The term “aeo nummer” is commonly used in German-speaking Member States to refer to the EORI number, reflecting the local terminology for this identification code. EU businesses should ensure they understand this equivalence to avoid confusion when dealing with customs authorities or compliance documentation.
EORI Numbers in the Context of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a recent EU regulation aimed at addressing carbon emissions associated with imported goods. Under CBAM, only authorised CBAM declarants or importers with a valid EORI number may import goods subject to this mechanism [4:2].
Customs authorities require the EORI number of the importer or authorised CBAM declarant when processing import declarations for CBAM-covered goods. This information is automatically communicated to the European Commission and relevant national authorities to ensure compliance and monitoring [4:3][5:1].
For EU importers, having a valid EORI number is therefore a prerequisite to participate in the CBAM system. It enables the customs authorities to link import declarations with CBAM accounts and verify the correct application of carbon pricing measures.
The Role of EORI in Customs Declarations and Data Exchange
The EORI number is a mandatory element in customs declarations submitted within the EU single market. It identifies the economic operator responsible for the declaration and facilitates the processing and clearance of goods [2:2].
Customs authorities use the EORI number to track goods movements, manage risk assessments, and exchange information between Member States and with the European Commission. The EORI system is supported by an electronic database that stores and updates registration data, ensuring that customs authorities have access to accurate and current information [6:3].
In declarations, the EORI number appears in fields such as exporter or importer identification, ensuring consistency and traceability. For groupage consignments or complex transport contracts, the EORI number format and use are clearly defined to maintain uniformity across customs procedures [2:3].
Additionally, the EORI number is integrated into various customs control and monitoring processes, including those related to authorised economic operator (AEO) status, enhancing security and compliance [7].
Maintaining Your EORI Information and Compliance
Once assigned, it is crucial for businesses to maintain accurate and up-to-date EORI registration information. Changes in company details, such as address or legal status, must be communicated promptly to the relevant national customs authority to avoid disruptions in customs procedures [6:4].
Customs authorities monitor the validity of EORI numbers and may revoke or suspend them if conditions for their issuance are no longer met, such as in cases of non-compliance or changes in business activity [7:1].
For businesses holding AEO status, which often involves enhanced customs facilitation, coordination between EORI registration and AEO monitoring is essential to maintain compliance and benefit from simplified customs procedures [7:2][8].
EU companies should regularly verify their EORI data through the electronic EORI system and liaise with their national competent authority to ensure ongoing compliance with customs regulations.
FAQ
What is EORI number for EU importers?
The EORI number is a unique identification number assigned to economic operators in the EU customs territory to register and identify them for customs purposes, including import and export activities [1:6].
How to get an EORI number in Europe?
An economic operator must apply to the customs authority of the Member State where it is established. The authority assigns a unique EORI number following a standard format including the Member State code and a unique identifier [1:7][3:2].
Is EORI number mandatory for importing into EU?
Yes, an EORI number is generally mandatory for all businesses importing goods into the EU customs territory. Customs authorities require it to process import declarations and release goods [1:8].
What is the structure of an EORI number?
The EORI number consists of the two-letter ISO country code of the Member State issuing the number, followed by a unique identifier of up to 15 alphanumeric characters [2:4][3:3].
Does EORI number expire?
The EORI number itself does not have a fixed expiration date, but customs authorities may revoke or suspend it if the holder no longer meets the conditions for registration or compliance requirements [7:3].
EORI number for CBAM declaration?
Yes, the EORI number is required for importers or authorised CBAM declarants when submitting customs declarations for goods subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism [4:4][5:2].
The term “aeo nummer” appears in the context of EORI numbers, especially in German-speaking Member States, and refers to the same unique customs identification number. EU businesses should ensure they use and maintain their “aeo nummer” correctly to comply with customs regulations and facilitate trade within the EU single market.
This article provides general information based on current EU customs regulations as of June 2026. Businesses should consult their national competent authority or qualified legal counsel for specific guidance tailored to their circumstances.
