Apply for a EORI Number today

From 1 January 2021 you will need an EORI number to move goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or the Isle of Man, and the EU. You may also need a separate EORI number if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland.

If you do not have an EORI, you may have increased costs and delays. For example, if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cannot clear your goods you may have to pay storage fees.


I already have an EORI number

From 1 January 2021 you’ll need an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods between Great Britain and other countries, including the EU.

Check your EORI number. Apply for a new one if yours does not start with GB.


How long does it take to obtain an EORI number?

It can often be issued immediately.  However, if additional checks are needed it can take up to 5 days.  Therefore you should act now.  Click below and jump over to the HMRC site to apply on-line.

Get an EORI


When don't I need an EORI number?

You’ll not usually need an EORI number if you only:

  • provide services or buy services
  • move goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland

If you use a courier, postal or parcel company they should tell you if you need an EORI number.


I move goods to or from Northern Ireland

From 1 January 2021 you’ll need an EORI number that starts with XI to:

  • move goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries
  • make a declaration in Northern Ireland
  • get a customs decision in Northern Ireland

I move goods to or from the Channel Islands

From 1 January 2021, if you’re based in Great Britain you’ll need an EORI number that starts with GB to move goods between Great Britain and the Channel Islands. You do not need to give it to the customs authorities in the Channel Islands.

If you’re based in the Channel Islands, you only need an EORI number if you’re giving information to HMRC.


Before you apply you will need

To apply you need your:

  • VAT number and effective date of registration (if you’re VAT registered) - these are on your VAT registration certificate
  • Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - find your UTR if you do not know it
  • business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code - these are in the Companies House register
  • Government Gateway user ID and password

Apply for an EORI number

It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply online. You’ll get it either:

  • straight away
  • within 5 working days (if HMRC needs to make more checks)

Click below and jump over to the HMRC site to apply on-line.

Get a EORI

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