It is now possible to obtain an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number based on the SIREN number for your import/export customs formalities. Previously, this had to be made up of the word "FR" followed by the SIRET number.
Securing trade within the EU
The EORI number was introduced as part of a scheme to strengthen the security of trade entering and leaving the European Union. It is used to identify economic operators in their dealings with customs authorities.
Companies need an EORI number to import and export goods outside the EU, as well as to file, amend or renew applications to protect their intellectual property rights.
This number is used in a number of teleprocedures, including :
- the Delta online customs clearance system,
- the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS),
- ICS (import control system),
- and the ECS (export control system).
The structure of the EORI number varies according to the country in which the company is based. For a company based in France, it consists of the letters "FR" and the SIRET number. For companies established in another EU country, it is defined by the rules applicable in that country. For companies established in a country outside the EU, it consists of the letters "FR" followed by the ISO 2 country code of the country of establishment and the number assigned by the customs service at the time of registration.
Companies required to have an EORI number can apply for registration on the portal of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise via the Soprano platform or the cerfa form no. 13930*01. Application for an EORI number is free of charge.
EORI SIRET number gradually phased out
Since April 5, in the interests of simplification and harmonization with other EU member states, EORI registration has been carried out at the level of the company's registered office (SIREN), rather than at the level of the establishment.
This development has two main advantages for companies:
- a limited number of EORI numbers to manage,
- the absence of blockages in the customs clearance systems of other member countries (based on SIREN).
Companies will still be able to use an EORI SIRET number until December 31, 2025, a transition period that will allow the many online services using this number to be adapted. From January 1, 2026, it will no longer be possible to use an EORI SIRET number for customs formalities in France.
The EORI Community identification number used by economic operators for imports and exports outside the EU can now be based on the SIREN since April 5, 2023. https://t.co/3Y3rBytlxS
- DILA (@DILA_officiel) May 23, 2023
A European portal for customs authorizations
Another new feature is that all customs authorizations will be issued via the EuropeanCustoms Decision System (CDS). At present, some authorizations are issued in CDS, others via Soprano, and others are not yet dematerialized.
The aim is for these to be managed via a single system, making it possible to apply for authorizations applicable in a single Member State and for cross-border authorizations (concerning more than one EU Member State).