EORI Number: Complete Guide for EU SMEs/Mid-Caps in Import-Export
SME/Mid-Cap Guide 2025🗓️ 20/05/2025 • updated: 21/05/2025 • ⏱️ 6 min read
Table of Contents
- What is the EORI number?
- Why is the EORI number essential?
- How to get an EORI number?
- How to check an EORI number?
- EORI and Brexit: what has changed
- Updates & post-registration obligations
- Common errors & best practices
- EORI FAQ
- Official sources & tools
The EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) is the unique and free customs identifier required for any clearance outside the EU. Without it, your goods will be blocked. Find out how to get it in 24-48h, check its validity, stay compliant post-Brexit, and avoid scams.
What is the EORI number?
The EORI number is a unique community identifier which:
- Must appear on all your customs declarations;
- May appear on your commercial invoices;
- Secures and tracks your shipments;
- Replaces several national registrations: one single EORI per company, valid throughout the EU.
In short: it is your "customs passport" for international trade.
An EORI is not required for intra-EU flows, but is mandatory as soon as goods cross the external border.
Why is the EORI number essential?
Without an EORI, your goods risk being blocked or overtaxed—you can’t clear customs. Every EU-based company (exporter, importer, freight forwarder) must have one.
Non-EU companies must also obtain an EORI before their first operation within the Union.
Examples:
- French SME → China: EORI required for import.
- US company → France: EORI needed before first customs clearance.
How to get an EORI number?
For French companies
- Check if you already have one via the official tool.
- Create or log in to your ProDouane account.
- Fill out the application in Soprano EORI.
- Receive your number within 24–48h. Free
For non-EU companies
- Apply in the country of your first operation (Soprano non-EU or Cerfa 13930*01 form).
- Attach your foreign registration certificate.
- Average delay: 24–72 h.
Summary Table
| Key Step | EU Company | Non-EU Company |
|---|---|---|
| Check existence | EORI Service | EU Base |
| Customs Account | ProDouane portal | Relevant country portal |
| Submit application | Soprano EORI | Soprano non-EU / Cerfa 13930*01 |
| Issued within | 24–48 h | 24–72 h |
How to check an EORI number?
Before shipping, make sure your partner’s EORI is valid:
- Go to the official EU registry.
- Enter the number (e.g., FR123456789000).
- The system confirms existence, “Active” status, and registration country.
Verifying an EORI helps avoid delays, freight forwarder fraud, and identity theft.
EORI and Brexit: what has changed
Since 1st January 2021:
- EU → UK: You need both an EU EORI for export and a UK EORI (EORI GB) for import.
- Northern Ireland: Special prefix
XI(EORI XI). - Extra safety and security formalities (ENS/EXS, GVMS declarations, etc.).
In practice, double registration is necessary to avoid delays and penalties.
Updates & post-registration obligations
- No expiry: the EORI number is permanent.
- Report any major change (company number, merger, headquarters move).
- Keep the EORI on your invoices, AWBs, B/Ls, certificates of origin.
- Update your customs/ERP software.
Common errors & best practices
- Late application or EORI missing from the invoice.
- Confusing SIRET / VAT / EORI numbers.
- Wrong prefix (
FR,GB,XI). - Fraudulent paid platforms: applying for EORI is 100% free.
- Not updating data after a merger or a new company ID.
EORI FAQ
How long does it take to get an EORI?
24–48 hours via Soprano (France).
Is the EORI number free?
Yes, it is free.
Do I need to renew my EORI?
It does not expire; just report any major changes.
EORI vs. EU VAT number?
EORI: Customs identifier for trade outside the EU. EU VAT number: Tax identifier used within the EU.
Official sources & tools
-
French Customs — Official Portal
-
Find your EORI number
-
EORI Validation — European Commission
-
Cerfa 13930*01 — EORI for non-EU companies
-
HMRC — Apply for a GB EORI
Updated: May 2025