Logistics 101
EORI — What It Is and How to Get One
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique ID used by HMRC and UK Border Force to identify importers and exporters. It's mandatory for all businesses and individuals that move goods internationally, including imports or exports between the UK and the EU.
Quick Summary
- Required for all UK imports and exports (including temporary movements)
- Issued free by HMRC in 2-5 working days
- Format: GB123456789000
- Without it, goods cannot clear customs and may be held or returned
Why You Need an EORI Number
Without an EORI number, customs systems cannot process your shipment. That means:
- Your goods may be delayed or held at the border
- You could face storage or clearance charges
- Carriers may refuse collection or delivery
Having a valid EORI number ensures HMRC can link your business to its customs records and prevents costly delays.
If your business trades through or involves Northern Ireland, you may also need an XI EORI number. See our XI EORI guide for details.
For groupage and standard freight services, both the UK exporter and the overseas importer typically need valid EORI numbers. Courier carriers such as DHL and UPS can sometimes handle B2C clearance without a recipient EORI.
How to Apply for a UK EORI Number
You can apply directly on the official GOV.UK website:
Apply if you're VAT-registered
https://www.gov.uk/eori
Apply if you're not VAT-registered
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORINonVATExport
Before you apply, check you have:
- A Government Gateway account
- Correct business details (name, address, VAT number)
- Proof that you import or export goods internationally
Applications are usually approved within 2-5 working days, and confirmation is sent by email.
Once your booking is confirmed and paid, you will be asked to provide EORI details as part of completing your Commercial Invoice and customs documentation.
Tip: Keep a copy of your EORI handy for all customs declarations, shipping labels, and commercial invoices.
How to Apply for a UK EORI (Step by Step)
- Go to GOV.UK EORI application
- Sign in with your Government Gateway account
- Enter your business details (VAT number if applicable)
- Confirm international trade activity
- Submit and receive your EORI by email within a few days
Need to ship internationally?
Get an instant quote for fast, reliable customs-ready pallet delivery from Pallet2Ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
about EORI number
Understanding EORI
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier issued by HMRC to businesses and individuals that import or export goods. It is used on all UK customs declarations and allows HMRC and UK Border Force to track and process international shipments. Without one, goods cannot clear customs.
Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a system used across the UK and EU to identify businesses involved in international trade.
A UK EORI number begins with GB followed by a 12-digit number and three additional digits — for example, GB123456789000. If you are VAT-registered, the 12-digit section is usually your VAT number.
No. An EORI number and a VAT number are different registrations that serve different purposes. However, your GB EORI is often based on your VAT number with the GB prefix and a three-digit suffix added.
Who needs an EORI
Any business or individual that imports or exports goods internationally needs an EORI number. This includes commercial businesses of all sizes, sole traders, and private individuals shipping goods across borders.
Yes. All international pallet shipments require customs declarations, and an EORI number is needed to process those declarations. Without one, your shipment cannot clear customs and may be held, delayed, or returned.
No. EORI numbers are only required for international shipments that pass through customs. Domestic UK pallet deliveries do not require an EORI.
Yes. Since Brexit, all UK–EU shipments require customs declarations, and both the exporter and importer need valid EORI numbers. This applies to exports from the UK and imports into the UK from the EU.
It depends on the service. Groupage (LTL) carriers and standard freight services typically require EORI numbers for both the exporter and the importer. Courier carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS can handle B2C shipments without a recipient EORI in some cases.
Yes. Private individuals who import or export goods — including personal effects, online purchases above certain thresholds, or items for resale — can apply for an EORI number through HMRC.
Applying for an EORI
Apply directly through GOV. UK. If you are VAT-registered, apply at gov.uk/eori. If you are not VAT-registered, apply at the HMRC non-VAT EORI application page. You will need a Government Gateway account and your business details.
You need a Government Gateway account, your correct business details (company name, registered address, VAT number if applicable), and confirmation that you import or export goods internationally.
Most applications are processed within 2–5 working days. During busy periods it may take slightly longer. Confirmation is sent by email from HMRC.
No. HMRC issues EORI numbers free of charge. Avoid third-party websites that charge for the application — the official process through GOV.UK is free.
No. Pallet2Ship cannot issue EORI numbers. We can guide you on when an EORI is needed and direct you to the correct HMRC application, but the registration and legal responsibility sit with the business or individual.
Using your EORI
Your EORI number is used on customs declarations, commercial invoices, and export documentation. When you book an international shipment through Pallet2Ship, the system will prompt for EORI details as part of the booking process.
Yes. Your EORI number should appear on the Commercial Invoice for international shipments. When booking through Pallet2Ship, the Commercial Invoice is generated during the booking process and requires EORI details at that stage.
Yes. One GB EORI number covers both importing and exporting.
No. EORI numbers do not expire, but you must keep your registered details up to date with HMRC. If your company name, address, or VAT status changes, update HMRC immediately.
Your EORI number appears on the confirmation email from HMRC, on previous customs declarations, and on import or export documentation. You can also check with HMRC directly.
GB EORI vs XI EORI vs EU EORI
A GB EORI (starting with GB) is used for customs declarations involving Great Britain — England, Scotland, and Wales. An XI EORI (starting with XI) is used for customs declarations involving Northern Ireland, where certain EU customs rules apply under the Windsor Framework. They are separate registrations. See our XI EORI page for details.
Only if your business trades through or involves Northern Ireland in its customs movements. If you only ship from Great Britain, a GB EORI is sufficient.
No. A GB EORI is not recognised for customs declarations within the EU. If you need to make customs declarations in an EU member state, you need an EU EORI issued by that country’s customs authority. However, an XI EORI is recognised in the EU customs system for trade involving Northern Ireland.
For groupage and standard freight services, yes — the European consignee typically needs their own EU EORI for import clearance. For courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS), the carrier may handle clearance on the consignee’s behalf in some B2C scenarios without a recipient EORI.
Common mistakes & problems
Customs cannot process the declaration. Your shipment will be held at the border, and you may face storage charges, clearance delays, or the goods being returned to the sender.
The customs declaration may be rejected or flagged for investigation. This causes delays, potential penalties, and storage charges at the port or customs facility until the correct EORI is provided.
Not registering before the first shipment, using a GB EORI where an XI EORI is required (for Northern Ireland trade), providing outdated business details, and forgetting that the European consignee also needs an EORI for groupage services.
Yes. Customs systems will reject declarations with invalid or mismatched EORI numbers. The shipment will not clear until the correct information is submitted.
Practical considerations
Yes. Even temporary exports — such as goods sent abroad for exhibition, repair, or testing under an ATA Carnet — require an EORI number for the customs declarations involved.
Yes. Samples shipped internationally must be declared through customs with a valid EORI number, even if the goods have no commercial value.
Yes. An EORI is required for all UK international shipments, not just EU trade. Exports to the USA, Australia, China, Japan, UAE, and all other destinations require an EORI.
An EORI identifies who is shipping. A commodity code identifies what is being shipped. Both are required on customs declarations but serve different functions. See our Commodity Codes guide.
EORI identifies the business making the customs declaration. Incoterms define who is responsible for costs and risks at each stage of the shipment. Both appear on shipping documentation but serve different purposes. See our Incoterms guide.
Support & guidance
Yes. HMRC provides guidance on the application process and can assist with queries. For complex situations involving multiple EORI types or Northern Ireland trade, professional customs advice may be helpful.
Apply immediately through GOV. UK — processing typically takes 2–5 working days. In some cases, courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) can handle export declarations on your behalf while your application is pending, but this depends on the service and destination. Contact our team for advice on your specific situation.