How to get an EORI number and when you need one

An EORI number is one of the first things worth sorting out before you import or export to the United Kingdom. In practice, problems arise when a company only starts pulling documents together right before a shipment goes out, and only then discovers that customs clearance cannot safely proceed without an EORI number.

If you trade with the UK, or are preparing your first movement of goods, this guide covers three things: when an EORI number is needed, what the process of getting one looks like, and what to check before the transport moves.

When you need an EORI number

On GOV.UK, an EORI number is described as the identifier used when moving goods into and out of the United Kingdom. It is needed whenever a company takes part in customs clearance itself and must be recognised within the customs systems.

• when importing into the United Kingdom,
• when exporting to the United Kingdom,
• when submitting customs or transit declarations,
• when using certain border systems and formalities.

GB or XI - what is the difference

This is an important distinction. In practice, some companies need a number starting with GB, while others, in specific scenarios involving trade with or through Northern Ireland, may also need an XI number. It is not worth applying for a number "just in case" without first checking your trade model and the direction goods flow in.

How to get an EORI number

1. Check which number your trade model actually needs.
2. Prepare your company's basic details and registration information.
3. Submit an application through the official GOV.UK form.
4. Wait for confirmation and check that the number is ready before clearance starts.

According to the current GOV.UK pages, the application procedure is free of charge. Issuing times can vary depending on the type of number and whether the authority requires additional data verification.

What else to check before shipping

• whether the company is definitely acting as the importer or exporter,
• whether the EORI number is assigned to the correct entity,
• whether the company's details are consistent with the invoice and transport documents,
• whether someone on the team has confirmed responsibility for clearance on the UK side.

Most common mistakes

• Assuming an EORI number can be "sorted out at the last minute".
• Not distinguishing between a GB number and an XI number.
• Sending documents to an agency without confirming which entity is formally taking part in the process.
• Treating EORI as the only requirement, even though the issue also involves the invoice, classification or who is responsible for clearance.

Frequently asked questions

Does every company trading with the UK need an EORI number?
If the company takes part in clearance itself and needs to be recognised within the customs systems, in practice the EORI question has to be settled before goods move.

Is there a fee to get an EORI number?
According to the official GOV.UK pages, the application procedure is described as free of charge.

Is one number enough for every scenario?
Not always. It depends on whether the matter concerns Great Britain only, or also scenarios involving Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to apply?
Before your first import or export - not once the full set of shipping documents is already prepared.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Get an EORI number
• GOV.UK: Check if you need an EORI number

If you want to prepare your documents more broadly

An EORI number alone does not close out the whole process. If you also want to get your document list and required data in order before an export or import, this article can help: PL-UK export documentation - a complete checklist.

Related guides

• How to get an EORI number in the United Kingdom and why it is needed
• Customs clearance for importing goods into the UK - step by step
• UK-PL customs consultations for import and export

Summary

An EORI number is not just an administrative detail - it is one of the elements that shapes responsibility and pace throughout the whole process. If you want to check which number applies to you and how to prepare your documents before goods move, get in touch with us.