Customs services only

EORI Numbers: GB, XI and EU

Customs paperwork only — no transport or removals included.

In short

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a customs identifier used to register businesses and some individuals in customs systems. In the UK, a GB EORI is used for Great Britain declarations, an XI EORI for Northern Ireland movements, and an EU member state EORI for EU customs.

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Last reviewed: 15 October 2026

Overview

An EORI is the starting point for most customs activity, but it is only an identifier — it does not authorise anyone to act as a customs agent or grant any simplification. Having an EORI simply means the authorities can recognise you in their systems.

Which EORI you need depends on where declarations are made. Businesses moving goods into or out of Great Britain need a GB EORI. Those moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland, or making declarations there, may need an XI EORI in addition. Businesses that must be the declarant or importer of record in the EU need an EORI issued by an EU member state, normally the first one in which they make a declaration.

Private individuals moving their own household goods are not always required to hold an EORI, because declarations can be made by a representative using other identifiers. Check the specific guidance for your situation.

Who this is for

Businesses starting to import or export
Companies trading with or through Northern Ireland
UK businesses acting as importer of record in the EU

How the process usually works

1Work out where declarations happenGreat Britain, Northern Ireland, EU — or more than one.
2Apply for a GB EORIApply free of charge on GOV.UK; an XI EORI can then be added if needed.
3Apply for an EU EORI if neededApply to the customs authority of the relevant member state.
4Share the correct numberGive the right EORI to your agent for each declaration.

Documents commonly requested

Business registration details (company number, VAT number where held)
Business address and contact details
SIC code describing the business activity
For EU EORIs, any documents the member state requests

Indicative list — requirements depend on goods, route and declaration type.

Common mistakes

Using a GB EORI for an EU declaration
Forgetting an XI EORI for Northern Ireland movements
Paying third-party websites to apply when GOV.UK applications are free

Timing

HMRC and EU authorities set their own processing times for EORI applications. Some are issued quickly, others require additional checks; we cannot guarantee timings.

Key regulatory dates

1 January 2021 — End of the Brexit transition period: customs declarations became required for goods moving between Great Britain and the EU. Source

Frequently asked questions

Is an EORI the same as a VAT number?

No. A VAT number is for tax. An EORI identifies you in customs systems. UK GB EORIs often include the VAT number but they are separate registrations.

Do I need an EORI to move house abroad?

Not always. Private individuals moving household goods may be able to clear without one, depending on the country and the declarant. Check guidance for the destination.

Does an EORI make me a customs agent?

No. An EORI is only an identifier. Acting as a customs representative is a separate role with its own responsibilities.

Official sources

How MoveQuoteLocal can help

MoveQuoteLocal is not a licensed customs broker or authorised customs representative. Send a customs-only enquiry and our own team reviews it — nothing is passed automatically to another company. We explain what is likely to be involved and, only with your agreement, help you reach a qualified customs intermediary. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Go to the customs-only enquiry form