Every day I receive countless questions about shipping and customs, and I’ve noticed a lot of these questions refer specifically to the EORI scheme… so I’ve decided to create an article on that specifically – to clarify all the confusion once and for all.
Let’s get to it!
The Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) scheme was introduced on 1st July 2009 (replacing the Trader Unique Reference Number system previously used in the UK) and it’s basically a method for tracking imports and exports within the EU.
An EORI number is assigned to an individual legal identity (i.e. sole trader, partnership, company or individual) by your local member state (so if you’re in the UK – by HMRC) and that EORI number is then used to identify you and your shipments across all EU countries.
And really it’s as simple as that – it is just a number given to importers and exporters throughout Europe that can be easily and consistently identified by customs.
Another top tip to helping keep the costs of your imports down is to research alternative money transfer providers that provide better exchange rates.
Companies that specialise in international money transfers could save you a substantial amount of money if you’re looking to make frequent transfers to your Chinese suppliers.
FCA and FinCEN regulated, TransferWise are up to eight times cheaper than banks when it comes to making international payments. They always convert money at the mid-market exchange rate – ie. the rate you see on Google is the rate you’ll receive. The only fee you’ll pay is a small, upfront fee on the value of the transfer. You can also make global USD payments to your Chinese supplier and with their fixed fee of $2 + small % cost of currency conversion, their rates are very competitive.
Setting up the payment is simple as well. You sign up for a free account, set up your transfer by entering your supplier’s bank account information and state what currency you’d like to pay them in and then fund your transfer. Options include bank transfer and debit/ credit card. Your supplier won’t need to do anything. For them, it’s just like receiving cash into their bank account.
With over 3 million customers and co-founded by the first employee of Skype, you can be assured that your money is sent securely. However, just like with a normal wire transfer, your money is not protected if your supplier turns out to be fraudulent so it’s best used when you’re paying a supplier you trust.
You can find out more about TransferWise in my post here.
Do I Need An EORI Number?
Although the official explanations are slightly more complicated, to keep things simple and easy to understand – if you are involved with imports OR exports to or from the EU, then you do need an EORI number, as without it you won’t be able to complete the Entry Summary Declaration or Exit Summary Declaration.
How Do I Get An EORI Number?
To get an EORI number, you simply fill in the application form and send it to HMRC.
Which form you need to complete depends on whether or not you’re VAT registered –
- Form C220 is for VAT registered applicants and can be downloaded here.
- And if you are not VAT registered, then you need form C220A, which can be downloaded here.
And just to make it clear as there seems to be a lot of confusion about this – you don’t have to be a company to get an EORI number and can get one in the exact same way as an individual or sole trader.
You can either print and complete the application form or fill it in online, via Word.
If you do it electronically, you then need to email the form to: eori@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
If you do it as a hard copy, you’ll need to post it to the HMRC EORI Team:
HM Revenue and Customs
EORI Team
13th Floor South
Government Buildings
Ty Glas
Llanishen
Cardiff
CR14 5FP
One useful tip to remember is that if you are not VAT registered; you should apply for your EORI number after your first shipment has been dispatched, as that way you’ll already have carrier and tracking information to hand – both of which are needed for the application.
When Do I Need To Use My EORI Number?
You’ll need your EORI number pretty much every time you deal with customs as it must be included on all pre-arrival and pre-departure information on goods entering or leaving a customs territory of the European Community.
If it’s a business shipment, then your EORI number will be needed, regardless of the value of the order.
So that’s it really! There is nothing complicated about this at all… all you have to do is apply and get your unique number and that’s it!
And also, please note that you only need to apply ONCE and can then use your EORI number on all future imports and exports – it isn’t only valid for one shipment as some people think.
Actually, there is one last thing that I want to point out:
There’s a site run by the European Commission that can be used by the general public to check the validity of an EORI number. This site will also contain some basic information about the holder of the number such as your name and address but this information is only shown if you previously agreed to that.
So it works something like this:
- You enter an EORI number and click validate.
- If the number is not valid, the answer is ‘No’ and no further information is shown.
- If the number is valid and the answer is ‘Yes’, your name and address will be given, ONLY IF you have previously agreed to this information being shown.
- If the number is valid but you have not consented to your information being disclosed, then it will still show as ‘Yes’ (so no need to worry about that).
Here is the site if you’d like to have a look for yourself:
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en
Obviously it’s not hugely important either way, and it’s completely up to you whether you want your information to be shown on searches (it doesn’t make any practical difference) but I thought I’d mention it so you know to keep an eye out on the form for any boxes regarding disclosing your data.
I hope you have found this guide useful and it answers any questions you had about EORI numbers and whether you need one, but if anything is unclear or you want to clarify something, post below and I’ll do my best to help.
Otherwise, until next time!
All the best,
Andrew
Hi.i applied for an eori number this Tuesday and still haven’t received it.isnt it suppose to take 3 days to get one??.my delivery is arriving in UK this Monday and my agent I asking for the number which I haven’t got.im worried about the storage charges I will have to pay.cant contact hmrc no direct number.plz advise
You should get it within 3-4 days, yes.
You can send an email to HMRC and ask for an update on your application or call them on this number: 0300 200 3600
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Do I need an EORI number if I import from China for commercial purposes, but the value is £5? And where would I ask my supplier to write it? They only have a place for “HS Tariff Code” on the CN22 form, not for EORI. Thanks!
No, you won’t need EORI number for such £5 shipment.
Andrew,
Thank you for the notes on EORI, especially on the web address where to check their validity. I was checking an Irish EORI number and it worked fine.
Thank you Sean
You’re welcome Sean! 🙂
Hi
I sell on Amazon and my products are sold across EU ( not big shipment but just normal sales to customer) but my shipment are received in UK for which i Pre-Pay all customs to my courier hence no hold ups and amazon receives it without any problem
I am not VAT registered at the moment so do i still need EORI ? or if I am VAT registered ,does it mean i must have EORI number ?
Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks
Hi Sedan,
If courier is not asking you for EORI number, probably you don’t need it.
But you can register for it anyway, even if you’re not VAT registered. It’s free so no harm on getting the number.
Andrew
Hi Andrew !
I just wrote u something, but I forgot to tell you about my application for the eori , I tried to do it, but they asked me to put the full name of the agent , honestly I don’t have one. And on the request they , in the section about agent they wrote , if you don’t have one , leave this part blank, that’s what I did , what should I do for my next application? Thanks again for your help
Hi Francesco,
This is why you want to apply for EORI number when your first shipment has been dispatched so you can provide carrier, tracking info in the application form.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew ! Let’s see, can I ask u another question , I moved from uk , I’m in Poland now , for personal reasons, can I use the eori to import and export here , even if my company is in London ?
Thanks
Not sure on that – you will need to ask your local Customs office about this.
Thanks Andrew ! Ok I’ll check here in Poland ! Thanks again have a good day
You’re welcome! 🙂
Do I need an EORI number if I am a US Company exporting goods and services to the EU? I have shipped in the past through FedEx and had no need. Now, I have a up shipment held up in German customs and they are asking for an EORI number.
Hi Tom,
Your customer, receiving the shipment, will need EORI number.
Andrew
Hi, Andrew
Do I need an EORI number for sending a gift to my parents from UK to South Africa? It is for 70th birthday.
Thanx for your time and help
No, you don’t need an EORI number for that.
I’ve got a question that I can’t find the answer to. I am exporting to the UK from outside the EU. I applied and received an EORI number from the German ZOLL website. It is a German number, but I have checked that it is valid. However, can I use this number for the UK, or do I need to apply again through the UK HMRC site?
Thanks.
The buyer in the UK will have to provide his EORI number to when processing goods through Customs.
Andrew
Hello Andrew,
Thanks for the article. I am planning to import goods from China. Do i still need EORI number if i am importing from outside EU to the UK.
Thanks
Sunetra
Yes, EORI number is specifically used for imports/exports to and from EU.
Andrew
Hi Andrew
Thankyou for you guide. Our company has held an EORI for a number of years but we have recently transferred trade to unify with our sister company under the same VAT number. We will continue to operate as separate trading divisions and will operate separate DAN accounts, will our EORI numbers remain the same? or must we both use the EORI that matches our VAT number?
Thanks in advance
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for this as it’s quite a specific situation.
Contact HMRC and ask them directly about this or ask your accountant to get this sorted.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Thanks a lot for the helpful info. We are a new Uk business (non-vat registered) looking to import for e-commerce purposes into the german market. It’ll be the first shipment (and going to germany) but I have been told it is still part of EU, and is still okay to apply for EORI thru gov.uk. I noted on the form that it request a “port of entry ” (which’ll be germany in this instance) and “arrival date”. The arrival date is not certain and the shipment is not yet on the way, but is it okay to put a speculative date, for the purposes of generating the EORI number, or must this date be definite?
I look forward to hearing from you. thank you
Yes, you can put a “speculative” date there (ETA).
It’s not that important.
Thanks,
Andrew
We are a United States company that purchased items at an Auction in the UK. Do we need to apply for an EORI number to have them exported ? A packaging company is picking them up for us and crating them so should we use their EORI number if they have one ?
Hi Josh,
No, I don’t think you need to apply for an EORI number in this case.
But I may be wrong so better contact UK Customs (phone/email) and confirm this with them.
Andrew
hi andrew,
i am an individual and i dont have a company and obviously not VAT registered in any way. i am waiting on delivery of a laser cutting machine coming by sea freight to the UK from China in the next 2 weeks and hopefully when delivered i can start a small laser cutting business. i have been told by the freight handling agent that i need an EORI number from HMRC and they directed me to the HMRC website. however the HMRC is asking for my business details, NI number and passport details. i dont have business details – what should my approach be? thanks.
Hi Stephen,
You don’t have to be a business to get an EORI number.
So just give your personal details on the application, as an individual.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Great article as always. I can’t see how to register for EORI as an individual. Section 2 of the form requires you to state legal standing of the business – there is no option for an individual? Should this just be left blank in this instance?
Thanks for your help and great article as always
Hi Liam,
EORI in general is for businesses so usually you’ll be at least Sole Trader/Sole Proprietor when you register for it.
If it’s something you import for personal use, you don’t need an EORI number (as far as I’m aware).
Andrew
Hi. You need it and I have this problem and I can’t find answer anywhere. I don’t have any bussines at all. No registred anywhere, but TNT expect that I provide this EOIR number. I don’t have any busines, never have problems with shipping this time they held my parcel and ask for EORI. Ok I can get one but I can’t fill point 2 once I don’t have any busines. I have all other details but how I can apply for EORI for business once I don’t have one, and I’m facing problem to get this. You seid in Your article I can easy apply for EOIR nr as individual, goint through gov page I don’t find it as so easy that’s fors t bacause tere is no piece of information anywhere what to do when You don’t have busines and You need to have EORI because courier held Your parcel on depot and asking for it. It’s not perblem to pay clerance it’s problem to et this number. How???
Can you leave that blank or just write in individual?
Have you called HMRC and asked about this?
Hi Andrew,
Interesting and usefull article.I have an online clothing shop in Cyprus and i have one question regarding eori number.I have found an online french clothing supplier which they want a VAT number in order to make a purchase.Will they accept my EORI number instead of VAT number(because i don’t have one)? Or should i register to VAT before i can do bussiness with them?
Hi Kyriakos,
No, you can’t use EORI number in place of VAT number. It does not work that way.
You should contact that supplier and ask if they can supply you without a VAT number.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I have discovered your website and found a lot of interesting advices. I have a question regarding EORI and I am a bit lost.
I have a UK company manufacturing shoes in Spain. I use to ship the shoes from Spain to Uk and then export to our clients inside as well as outside EU.
This year I changed this setup and created a Spanish company that is handling packing and shipping of the shoes. However this company does not own the products. I tried to export a shipment to outside EU in the name of the UK company with the UK EORI. DHL does not agree and requires a Spanish registered EORI.
So… Am I required to ask for an EORI to Spanish authorities for my UK company? Is it possible? Or do I export with the Spanish Company and its Spanish EORI even if it acts only as a packing/shipping agent?
I hope you could help me on this.
Regards,
Stephane
Hi Stephanie,
Unfortunately I’m not qualified to give advice in such complicated situations. You should consult with your accountant probably to find best way to set this up.
Andrew
Hi. nice article.
How about different type of products? every time I want to export a different product should I apply to get new EORI number related to that?
Thanks.
Sara
Hi Sara,
No, there’s just one EORI number issued for a company.
So you use the same number all the time.
Andrew
The EORI number must also be included on the customs declaration when you import your goods from or export goods to countries outside the EU.
I’m located outside the EU and import from the UK, customs requires my suppliers to provide the EORI number to fulfill the trade agreement requirements.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/economic-operator-registration-and-identification-scheme-supporting-guidance#check-if-you-need-an-eori-number
Hi Andrew
The links above are not valid anymore and Importer/exporter has to fill an online application :
https://www.gov.uk/economic-operator-registration-and-identification-eori-scheme
https://www.gov.uk/eori-supporting-guidance
Thank you!
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for sharing your precious experience about importing.
I have applied for EORI number, but what about CHIEF system? On the gov.uk website you’ve directed to in the article there is no mention about EORI scheme registration but about the need for registering in CHIEF system (https://www.gov.uk/starting-to-import)? Has something changed from when you were writing this article or did I missed something? Hope that you’ll be able to clarify that for the benefit of other possibly confused article readers.
Cheers
Chris
Hi Chris,
No, you don’t have to do that. Courier company or freight forwarder will do the Customs clearance procedure for you (create declaration etc.) so you don’t have to register to CHIEF system on your own.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew, Thanks for the posts they are incredibly informative. I am about to organise 500 units of products to be delivered from China to the UK and my supplier has said that express will only be $310 so that seems the best way to proceed. What is the best way to proceed in getting this number when dealing with express deliverys? I have seen somebody suggest the express delivery company will request this number before organising is this the case? The 3 day delay may also cause problems with an express delivery. Any information will be appreciated.
Hi Andy,
EORI number should be needed/asked for only when goods arrive in the UK. I have heard mixed opinions on this though – as sometimes supplier asks for EORI before picking up goods. But as you can’t register for EORI BEFORE you have shipment information on hand, I don’t understand how it can be done.
So – register for EORI once goods are picked up and you have tracking number on hands. If courier asks for EORI BEFORE pick-up, explain them that you don’t have the number yet and can only get it once goods are picked up.
Thanks,
Andrew
HI Andrew
What a very helpful person you seem to be and a very helpful article
I think uv answered my question somehere below , but just to double check , am I right in thinking as a first time importer , its not possible to get the EORI number until I have full details of the shipment –
( In my case it will be a container coming out of Ningbo , into UK more than likely Felixstowe )
and that my shipping agent , only needs the EORI number on arrival to UK to clear through , not in advance before the shipment leaves China ?
Any reply would be grateful
Many thanks
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Yes, that’s correct.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hello There Andrew,
I hope you can possibly help as I am really confused with something?
I am VAT registered in the UK and have an EORI number for a couple of months now. I don’t import from Europe only Asia.
When I was on the flat rate scheme I didn’t need to reclaim any customs/import duty paid to HMRC but now I do and would like to reclaim all future customs payments.
I think I understand correctly that to reclaim this I MUST have a C79 document that is issued from HMRC once a month.
In order to get this, I am assuming this means my EORI number must be view-able on any shipments/parcels I receive.
The majority are small parcels but unfortunately the sellers in China are just putting my name & address on the parcel and NOT my EORI number.
Even though my name/address is linked with my company, does this mean I cannot claim the customs paid to HMRC because customs are not putting it through my EORI number and just by my name.
Hope this makes sense and sincerely hope you will know the answer.
Best Regards
Jayne
Hi Jayne,
You can still do it – you just need to contact HMRC and ask them for a special form to fill out, to process these shippments as usual – pay taxes etc.
Ideally, always remind suppliers to put full info on packages, full value/invoice.
And to be safe, you can always contact courier, once package is dispatched in China and tell them that you need to clear that package through Customs. (you contact them while parcel is in transit and you have a tracking number).
Andrew
Hi Andrew, – Love your posts, helpful insights have assisted me enormously over the years.
– So a big thank you there.
Just a quick question if you could please hepl me with, – In that, you mention if you’re not VAT registered then “you should apply for your EORI number after your first shipment has been dispatched”.
I just want to make sure that this is the case, because as I am going China in person for the first time, I don’t want to be stranded there without an EORI num – or be in a position having to wait for it to come through if the carrier / shipping agent says they need it then for my goods to Leave China.
If you have any experience here, your thoughts will give me confidence to go ahead without it.
Also, one more thing, – So if I understand this correctly, as soon as I Ship the Goods via an Agent there in China – I just need the Carrier name (ie. Shipping Comapny name) & the Container Number & that I should then give to a Freight Forwarder in the UK.
And on the topic of Frieght Forwarder , do you know any good one”s ? I presume my goods will arrive at Felixstowe / & I’d like them sent to me in outer London. – Is it expensive to use a Freight Forwarder, .. . never doen this before, any help would again be priceless here.
Thx Andrew . . … .And how that UK to Leave E.U . . . – Wish I’d bought sterling last night at $1.5 !!!
Hi AJ,
Thanks for your comment.
When you apply for an EORI number, on the form you must provide your shipment details. So without order/shipment in place, you can’t get that EORI number.
I recommend using WG for freight forwarding:
http://www.woodland-group.com/division/woodland-global
They have very good prices and quick service. You’ll want to contact them directly to get exact quotes.
Thanks,
Andrew
Our Australian company exports Chiropractic Educational Material (Posters, charts, report folders, fact sheets, etc.) to chiropractors including the UK and other European countries.
Do we need an EORI number?
Hi John,
No, you don’t need EORI number if you sell from Australia to customers in EU.
You’re simply exporting products to EU.
Andrew
If an english company has no VAT number ,only EORI number, does they have to pay tax when buying goods to a spanish company or not?
Yes, if they’re not VAT registered, they will have to pay VAT on this order.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Really Really helpful blog.
I have just a simple question. Is this EORI number have to do anything with taxes. If i am importing goods to germany and i have to apply for EORI after that am i getting taxes on imported items by the government or custom duties.
No, it’s not drectly related to taxes, no.
People with no EORI number still import and pay import duty & VAT.
Andrew
HI Andrew,
This is a very real, concise and useful article.
Thank you.
Peter
You’re welcome Peter!
Hi Andrew, information was very helpfull, thanks. Just wanted to make it clear, I’am individual and I need EORI for none eu imports, wich form I need to fill in? none VAT(C220A)? On the website it says that the form has been withdrawn? HMRC are asking for bussines name and information (I understand they need companies information?) even if I choose none VAT registred on their website…Thanks
Hello
Have you solved this problem? I have an item just delivered to UK from India. I am not a trader simply buying an item for my own use. The freight agent has just informed me that I need an EORI no. to process customs. I have all the other necessary documentation. Form C220A has been withdrawn and HMRC are no longer taking telephone enquiries. Email enquiries are possible but could take time. Meanwhile my goods are sitting in HMRC warehouse which will start charging £45.00 per day. There seems to be no quick solution. Any help would appreciated. Thanks
Hi Peter,
Why don’t you apply online?
https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORINonVATImport?dept-name=&sub-dept-name=&location=43&origin=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Sergej,
Please call HMRC and ask which form needs to be filled in your specific situation.
I can’t really provide support for specific situations.
Andrew
Hi Andrew, thank you for your amazing blog and continuous support !
Can HMRC use the EORI information for checking what we are selling / what is our estimated turnover, etc ?
I’ve imported 50 branded cordless power tools from Canada to sell in UK on ebay. They don’t have UK warranty support and they are not CE marked, as they are purposed for USA / Canada market.
Do you think the HMRC can question the resale?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Michael,
No, EORI is used for statistical purposes, not for tax information etc.
That doesn’t mean you should sell non-CE products though…
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I am based out of India and intend to sell items on amazon.co.uk and amazon.de via FBA programme. The first shipment that I sent across has got stuck at customs. While I got in touch with Amazon they say that I need to have an EORI number.
Can I get the relevant number when I have no business registered in UK, I don’t know anybody living in UK too.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Andrew / Sunil,
Usually Amazon do not handle the VAT for the sale of the goods through their fulfilment centres therefore it is up to you as a non-EU company to account for this. This is why they want you to clear the goods into the UK using your own EORI number.
As you are a non-EU business selling goods in the UK, and the VAT registration limit for non-resident companies in the UK is nil, you will need to apply for a VAT account in the country immediately in order to sell your goods. This will then also mean that you will have to charge VAT on the sales to your customers.
Once you have VAT registered you will then be able to get an EORI number that links to your VAT account and this will allow you to clear the goods.
Also why you wait for your VAT account, as a non-resident non-EU company, you can apply for a temporary EORI number to clear your goods.
Hope this helps.
Stephen
Hi Sunil,
I don’t know, I have no experience with a situation like this.
As far as I know, you should use some middle man in the UK with EORI number for customs clearance purpose. I don’t think you can get an EORI number being in India.
Andrew
Hi Andrew
We are a very small company shipping customers items bought at auction to them. We mostly deal within just the UK but have had a few things go abroad to America and have never been asked for a Eori number. We have 3 boxes, now stuck in UK customs due to be in New York and they are asking for a VAT number or EORI number. We are not registered for either, do we need to be registered for EORI, if so, how long does it take and does it cost?
Kind regards
Who is asking you for VAT & EORI number?
Do you need EORI number if you are importing goods from China once only for a restaurant refurbishment and not to sell on?
Yes, you would still need an EORI number.
Hello Andrew
Very good Guide, thank you very much!
Is it legal to bring goods from outside the EU and re-selling them in the Uk or Europe (having a EORI number and being VAT registred)?
Thank you
Yes, of course! Why it wouldn’t be legal?
It’s called importing!
I am referring to second hand goods, such as antiques and old jewellery.
Once got them in the uk and after have claimed the vat back on them (which can be a lot , few thousands) , Can I just put them in my stock?
Thanks for you quick reply
sorry, I don’t understand what you mean…
My main purpose is to resell the items, if with the EORI number I can claim the vat back do, I have to charge it again once I resell them?
EORI number has nothing to do with VAT.
If you’re VAT registered, you will charge VAT when selling these items and claim back difference you paid when importing these goods.
Andrew
Hello Andrew,
I have a VAT registered UK LTD. Also I have got an EORI and I am a first time importer.
I imported some products from china into UK using a freight forwarder.
I have paid around £1100 VAT on the import on the 16th of February 2016.
My question is , how will I re-claim this VAT ?
Should HMRC send me a C79 invoice ? If so when do they send this to us?
Thanks a lot
Norbert
Hi Norbert,
yes, you should receive the c79 form via post by 24th March.
Then you can properly book this into accounts.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew!
You’re welcome Norbert!
Hi Andrew,
We have been shipping to UK and we do have our UK EORI and now we want to ship to FBA Germany and France do i need to have an EORI for each country or the UK one is enough
Thanks
Ely
Hi Ely,
I’m not sure, this is something you need to find out.
If it’s same company/importer, it should be that you can use one number in all EU countries but I’m not 100% sure.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Great article, Thanks.
Tell me please, I have a number EORI Polish , I need a new number English (self employed no vat) ?? Products imported from China (DHL courier) once a month max £150/ I live in England and I have a self employed here.
Thanks for your time,
Dam
Hi Dam,
I don’t think you’ll need EORI number at all for such small value shipment.
Andrew
Hi Andrew
Thanks for the great article
I was planning on applying for EORI, but just seen your comment above regarding not needing EORI for small value shipment. Why is this? Is there a limit? I’m thinking of initially importing about £150/£200 a month too.
Hi Kerry,
Yes, there’s a limit but I don’t know exactly how big it is (I always get mixed views on this when trying to find out).
£150/£200 should be fine without EORI number.
Andrew
Hi Andrew
I imported some goods worth about £200. I received an email from DHL asking me to pay £4.50 import duty. I did this online and shipment is being delivered tomorrow. I have never been asked for an EORI. I’m assuming this is because it’s a small shipment? What are the consequences of not having an EORI for larger shipments? Will it mean your goods won’t be delivered? I’m a little confused.
Hi Kerry,
No one asks for an EORI number for small value shipments.
And you can’t really get into trouble anyways – if Customs will ask for your EORI number, courier/shipping company will inform you about that.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Great article, Thanks.
Just a quick question… I am not VAT registered and I am going to be exporting to the EU and US however my courier is asking for my EORI no (required field). So I tried to fill in the EORI application form with HMRC but it wants me to state when the parcel will be dispatched? this seems like a bit of a catch 22?
I can’t get a dispatch date from the courier without the EORI no.
Also once the application form is completed, how long until you receive the EORI number?
Or can I just put in a random dispatch date on the application form so that I can get my EORI number for future shipments?
Thanks for your time,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your comment.
No, you can’t put a random number there.
BY exporting to EU, what you mean? As sending goods to other EU countries doesn’t really mean exporting, you don’t need EORI number for that.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your reply.
I am starting a business and I will be sending orders to other businesses in countries all over the world so I want to get an EORI number so that I am ready to go when my first US order comes in.
However the HMRC application form asks for the Dispatch date which I won’t know until my first order comes in.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
You should wait for your first import shipment to be dispatched and then apply for EORI number.
Andrew
Hello, Andrew, thank you for such an informative post!
I am looking to Kickstart a project soon and this article has answered so many of my questions as far as what, and when, an EORI number is.
Your responses to comments too have been very educational as well, I am looking forward to reading the rest of them soon.
Wish you the best and thank you again for sharing your knowledge!
Ben
You’re welcome Ben! 🙂
Hi Andrew
i order clothing from india quite often as part of my business which amounts to £400-£500 normally my courier company releases the order for me and delivers to me i have to pay them for releasing the goods. however somebody has recently advised me i should get an EORI please could you advise how i obtain an EORI number
thanks
You can apply for the EORI number online:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eori-supporting-guidance
Hi Andrew,
is there a cost to obtaining an EORI number for non-vat? If there is, how do I determine the amount? I am looking to import some porcelain dinner plates for sale and putting together an initial costings report.
No, EORI number is free to get, there are no fees to pay.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I came across my EORI number while searching through my emails for something else. Didn’t really know what it was so I decided to do some research on the Web and came across your article. My accountant would have applied for it and I hadn’t been aware it had been sent through. I have imported stock from China and America on quite a few occasions now and this number has never been requested from any of the couriers. Is this going to cause me any issues with regards to my accounts/ HMRC?
Hi Tanya,
No, it won’t cause you any problems.
Courier would ask you for EORI number, if they needed it. If they haven’t asked for it, you haven’t breached any rules/laws.
Andrew
Hi Andrew – Thankyou for such a comprehensive explanation!
I have one question, I’m coming back from India with £600 worth of Indian silver jewellery in my hand luggage. I’m self employed/ sole trader and want to sell the jewellery in the UK.
I want to declare it all at customs at the airport and pay VAT and duty.
Do you know if I need an EORI for my arrival at the airport customs?
Thankyou.
Hi Natalia,
No, you shouldn’t need EORI number in this case.
Thanks,
Andrew
Dear Andrew,
Very helpful thank you. I am about to ship some products from china to UK. If I cant gain the EORI number until its in transit how does HMRC identify the shipment on arrival if the number is not printed on the paperwork? I thought that the commercial invoice needed to state the number?
Thank you in advance
Helen Davies
Hi Helen,
No, that’s fine.
You need EORI number only when goods arrive – at customs clearance procedure.
Andrew
Hello,
I am not VAT registered but I have imported some bags from India and to clear the customs, I needed an EORI number. When I applied for the EORI number, I filled the form that was not VAT registered. Am I VAT registered after getting the EORI number? Please give this information.
Thank you
Hi Shampa,
No, you’re not VAT registered now only because you got EORI number.
These two things are separate.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Yes, your article is a very good one.
I have 1 container of furniture and lighting for new home (my house and my friends’) decoration, not for sell. Will ship fr India to UK.
We registered a company years ago (shell company), no VAT member.
My freight forwarder tell me only have to apply a EORI, no need a VAT number. So how can i pay tax? Do i have to pay VAT and Import duty, it is for personal use!
Also i have another container, it is some office furniture, India to Germany, we are about to start an office in Germany, still no registered, can i use UK company name to do the Customs clearance this time? How can i pay tax?
Thank you so much.
Hi Liz,
When goods will enter UK, freight forwarder will inform you about next steps on custom clearance on which you pay VAT and import duty. Yes, you have to pay these even if goods are for personal use only.
You def. DON’T have to register for VAT.
Not sure on the 2nd issue – your freight forwarder should be able to handle that.
Andrew
Thanks, that’s interesting. When the company was first VAT registered we had to list what we were claiming VAT back on and HMRC said we couldn’t claim some import VAT we had paid because they had no record of a c79 certificate, but a c79 certificate is only issued if an EORI number is supplied.
Sue
IF you’re VAT registered, then of course you want to get EORI number, yes.
You didn’t say you’re VAT registered.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew,
The items that we’ve imported are only small and have come through postal customs and parcelforce have told me there is a different procedure for these. So do you know if I still need an EORI number, as they don’t seem to know what I’m talking about?
Thanks
Sue
If they don’t ask for EORI, you don’t need it!
As simple as that 🙂
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
We import goods from outside the EU to the UK. We have an EORI number, what I don’t know is how it becomes linked to the goods we import. Is it something the sender needs to enter?
Thanks
Sue
Hi Sue,
It gets “linked” when goods are cleared via customs – then freight forwarder/courier will ask you for the EORI number to put it into customs declaration.
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
We are a US based company with no presence in EU. However, we have shipped some network equipment (4 boxes, less than 68kg each) to a telecom data center (run by Interxion) in London, UK for them to install for us. Nothing is being bought or sold. We are simply shipping our own equipment from US to London for use there.
We shipped via FedEx and now FedEx is saying the shipment is stuck in customs and needs an EORI number. However, we do not have any legal entity in EU and, again, are not buying or selling the equipment.
Should an EORI number be required or do you think we filled out the paperwork incorrectly which is causing the problem (FedEx/Customs to ask for the EORI number)? FedEx is saying the shipment will be returned if they do not have EORI for the recipient (which is the Interxion data center c/o our company) within 7 days.
Thanks for the helpful article.
CARTER
Hi Carter,
To be honest – I’m not sure how this works in such a specific situation… The only thing I know that recipient is responsible for clearing goods though customs.
FedEx should be able to help you more with this? Give them a call and explain your situation.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the very useful article.
I have a few questions. I hope you may help.
We have just incorporated a company in the U.K. that sells natural oil imported from Morocco.
At the beginning most of our activity will be in Spain and Italy.
We have contracted 2 agents that will support us in selling and promoting our products in these 2 countries.
The goods will arrive to the port of Algeciras (Spain) already with our labels and ready to be sold.
The questions are the following:
1) being a Uk company and having a Uk vat number once we get an EORi number we cannot clear goods in Spain unless we use a third party (Spanish resident), can we?
2) once goods will be cleared can we use our EORI number to export from Spain to other UE countries or outside EU or we can use such code only if the departure port of our goods is in the UK
Thanks in advance for your help
Regards
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately this is a specific situation I haven’t been in so I don’t know really how it works… But I think that yes, you would need a Spanish resident/company to clear such goods in Spain or at least some kind of YOUR company presence in Spain to do this via your company.
But I don’t really know, sorry.
Andrew