An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is the ID that UK customs uses for businesses moving goods into or out of the UK. You need a GB EORI to import or export goods between Great Britain and other countries; it starts with GB followed by 12 digits. Applying on GOV.UK is free.
Key points
- Needed to move goods between Great Britain and any other country.
- GB EORI format: GB + 12 digits; VAT-registered businesses often get their VAT number + 000.
- An XI EORI is also needed for some movements to or from Northern Ireland.
- Free to apply; HMRC often issues it within days, but it can take longer.
Who needs an EORI number
- businesses importing goods into Great Britain (including stock for Amazon FBA or a warehouse);
- businesses exporting goods from Great Britain;
- businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in some cases (XI EORI).
Your freight forwarder or customs agent will ask for it before they can submit customs declarations for you.
EORI number format
| Type | Format | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| GB EORI | GB + 12 digits | Customs in Great Britain |
| XI EORI | XI + 12 digits | Goods moving to or from Northern Ireland |
If the company is VAT-registered, its GB EORI is usually “GB” + its 9-digit VAT number + “000”.
How to apply
- Sign in to the HMRC EORI service on GOV.UK with the company’s details.
- Give the company registration number, Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and VAT number if it has one.
- Describe the business and when you will start moving goods.
There is no fee. HMRC often responds within a few days but may take longer if it needs to check details. If goods are already on the way, a company with an EORI already registered avoids that wait.
EORI is not the whole picture
An EORI number identifies you to customs. To import you also need the right commodity codes, a customs declaration (usually through an agent), and a way to pay duty and import VAT. See importing goods into the UK.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; check the official sources above or speak to a UK accountant before you act.