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What is the purpose of the EORI number for a company?

Published on October 21, 2021 - 3 mins reading time
VSE/SME Procedures

Any company importing or exporting goods outside the European Union must have an EORI (economic operator registration and identification) number. What does it actually do? How do I apply?

What is the EORI number?

The acronym EORI stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number. It is made up of the country code of the issuing member state and a number unique in that member state. In France, it is made up of the letters FR and the SIRET number.

The EORI number is used as a reference in customs procedures when exchanging information with administrations. It is simpler for both economic operators and customs authorities to have a common identification number code within the EU. This code is also used for statistical and security purposes.

Who's concerned?

Economic operators established within the customs territory of the EU must have an EORI number. This requirement also applies to traders located outside the EU who need an EORI number in certain situations, such as to make an entry or exit summary declaration, to make a customs declaration within the EU, or to act as a carrier for transport by sea, air or inland waterways.

Finally, a member state may require persons other than economic operators to register. Similarly, obtaining this identifier may be made compulsory in certain EU countries in which a declaration is filed or a decision requested for the first time.

How do I get an EORI number?

EORI registration is carried out by the relevant economic action center within the regional customs directorates.

Persons established in the customs territory of the EU must apply to the customs authorities of the country in which they are located. Others must apply to the customs authorities of the EU country responsible for the place where the declaration is filed or where the decision is requested for the first time. For companies that do not have a SIRET, a Kbis extract or equivalent will be required to attest to the applicant's legal existence.

All EORI numbers are active within 24 hours of issue, due to the time required to process the necessary information at Community level.

How can I check if I have an EORI number?

An EORI form is available for companies or individuals wishing to check whether they have this identifier. The French customs service registers applicants' details before issuing them with an EORI number. Those who are not known to this service can register with Customs.