Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number

An Economic Operation Registration and Identification Number (EORI), means a number unique throught the European Community, assigned by a customs authority or designated authority or authorities in a Member State to economic operators and other persons.

Pursuant to article 4(1) of the Customs Code (CC) "person" means:

• a natural person
• a legal person
• where the possibility is provided for under the rules in force, an association of persons recognised as having the capacity to perform legal acts but lacking the legal status of a legal person.

The national law of each Member States defines who is considered a natural person, a legal person or an association of persons.

The EORI number is valid throughout the Community. It must be used by the holder of it, in all communications with any EC customs authorities where a customs identifier is required.

Economic operators should apply for an EORI number before they start activities covered by customs legislation. If not, they may apply for registration during their first operation, but it may take some days.

Economic operators established in the EU should always be registered in the Member State where they are established. If they are not established in the customs territory of the Community they should be registered if they perform one of the following activities:

• lodge in the Community a summary or customs declaration other than:
  • a customs declaration made in accordance with article 225 to 238 of the CCIP, or
  • a customs declaration made for the temporary importation procedure
•  lodge in the Community an exit or entry summary declaration;
• operate a temporary storage facility pursuant to article 185 (1) of the CCIP;
• apply for an authorisation pursuant to article 324a or 372 of the CCIP;
• apply for an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate.

View EORI Guidelines