Logistics 101

XI-EORI Number

Back to Knowledge Hub

If you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you need an XI EORI number. It is a special type of Economic Operators Registration and Identification number used for customs declarations and trade involving Northern Ireland.

Quick Summary

You need an XI EORI number if you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It identifies your business for customs under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and is issued free by HMRC within a few days.

What Is an XI EORI Number?

An XI EORI is issued by HMRC to businesses that trade through or with Northern Ireland. While a regular UK EORI starts with GB, an XI EORI starts with XI and links your business to the Northern Ireland customs territory under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. It is used for shipments to Northern Ireland, where customs formalities apply.

Under the Windsor Framework, which came fully into effect on 1 May 2025, customs declarations are now required for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. An XI EORI is needed for businesses involved in these declarations.

Example format: XI123456789000

Why It Matters

Having the correct XI EORI helps carriers, customs brokers, and HMRC identify your shipments instantly — avoiding clearance delays or re-routing costs.

How to Get an XI EORI Number

You will need an existing GB EORI number before applying for an XI EORI. If you do not yet have one, see our EORI guide for how to register.

If you already have a GB EORI, you can apply for an XI EORI through HMRC. Applications are usually processed within a few days. Apply for an XI EORI number on GOV.UK

If your business does not have its own XI EORI, the Trader Support Service (TSS) is a free government-funded service that can act as an indirect representative for customs declarations on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Before you apply, check you have:

  • Your GB EORI number
  • Correct business details, including name, address and VAT number
  • Evidence that you move goods through NI or file declarations there

How to Apply for an XI EORI

  • Log in to your HMRC account at GOV.UK/EORI
  • Enter your GB EORI number and business details
  • Confirm that you trade through or with Northern Ireland
  • Submit the form and wait for email confirmation from HMRC

Need to move goods between GB and NI?

Get an instant pallet quote for fast transit times and full customs support from Pallet2Ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

about XI EORI number

Understanding XI EORI

An XI EORI is a Northern Ireland-specific Economic Operators Registration and Identification number used for customs declarations involving Northern Ireland. While a standard UK EORI begins with GB, an XI EORI begins with XI and links your business to the Northern Ireland customs territory. The format is XI followed by your registration number — for example, XI123456789000.
Under the Windsor Framework (which replaced the Northern Ireland Protocol), Northern Ireland continues to follow certain EU customs rules for goods. However, businesses generally still need a GB EORI. The XI EORI is therefore an additional number used for relevant Northern Ireland customs activity, rather than a replacement for the GB EORI.
The Windsor Framework is the agreement between the UK and the EU that governs how goods move in and out of Northern Ireland. It came fully into effect on 1 May 2025 and requires customs declarations for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Businesses involved in these movements need an XI EORI to make or be named on those declarations.
A GB EORI is used for customs declarations involving Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). An XI EORI is used for customs declarations involving Northern Ireland where EU customs rules apply. They are separate registrations — having one does not automatically give you the other.

Who needs an XI EORI 

No. You only need an XI EORI if your business is involved in trade that requires customs declarations through or involving Northern Ireland — for example, moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Yes. Since the Windsor Framework took full effect on 1 May 2025, customs declarations are required for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. If your business is the importer or exporter on those declarations, you will need an XI EORI.
Not usually. If you only move goods between Northern Ireland and an EU country, an XI EORI is generally not required. HMRC states that you do not need an XI EORI if you only move goods on the island of Ireland or between Northern Ireland and an EU country.
Generally no. Movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain are treated as internal UK movements and do not normally require customs declarations or an XI EORI.
No. For direct Great Britain to EU exports, you use your GB EORI. XI EORI is only relevant when Northern Ireland is part of the customs movement.
Yes. Businesses based in Great Britain or overseas can obtain an XI EORI if they move goods through Northern Ireland or make customs declarations there. HMRC may require proof of trade activity or evidence of a permanent business establishment in Northern Ireland.

Applying for an XI EORI

Apply through HMRC at GOV. UK. You will need your existing GB EORI number, correct business details (name, address, VAT number), and evidence that you trade through or with Northern Ireland. See our EORI guide for general EORI information, and apply for an XI EORI at GOV.UK.
Yes. An XI EORI is normally linked to an existing GB EORI registration. You must have a GB EORI first.
Most applications are processed within two to five working days. If HMRC requires additional verification — for example, proof of a business establishment in Northern Ireland — processing may take longer.
No. HMRC does not charge for XI EORI registration. Avoid third-party websites that offer paid application services — the official process is free.
No. XI EORI numbers do not expire, but your registered details must remain accurate. Update HMRC if your company name, address, or VAT status changes.

Using your XI EORI

It is used on customs declarations, import and export documentation, and related shipping paperwork for movements involving Northern Ireland. When you book through Pallet2Ship and the shipment involves Northern Ireland customs procedures, the system will prompt for the relevant EORI details.
It depends on the shipment. For movements requiring customs declarations through Northern Ireland, the XI EORI should appear on the relevant documentation. For standard GB exports, your GB EORI is used instead.
The customs declaration may be rejected, and the shipment may be delayed or held until the correct EORI is provided. Using the wrong prefix is one of the most common XI EORI mistakes.

Common mistakes & problems

Using a GB EORI where an XI EORI is required, not registering for an XI EORI before shipping, providing outdated business details on the application, and not understanding which movements require Northern Ireland customs declarations under the Windsor Framework.
Your shipment may be delayed, held at customs, or rejected until the correct EORI is provided.
Yes. Customs systems will reject declarations with invalid or mismatched EORI numbers. The shipment will not clear until the correct details are submitted.

Support & guidance

No. Pallet2Ship cannot issue EORI numbers. We can guide you on when an XI EORI is needed and direct you to the correct HMRC resources, but the registration and legal responsibility sit with the business.
The Trader Support Service is a free government-funded service that helps businesses with customs declarations for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. It can act as an indirect representative for businesses that do not have their own XI EORI or customs capability.
Yes. HMRC provides official guidance on XI EORI requirements and can advise on your specific trade scenario. For complex situations, professional customs advice is recommended.
Back to Logistics 101