Get Importing with an EORI Number

You’ll need an EORI number to import goods into the EU and the UK. Wherever you’re moving your stock to, we can help you make it happen.

Get Importing with an EORI Number

You’ll need an EORI number to import goods into the EU and the UK. Wherever you’re moving your stock to, we can help you make it happen.

What is an EORI number?

EORI stands for Economic Operator Registration and Identification. An EORI number identifies your business as an importer into the EU or UK. You’ll need one to reclaim your import VAT. EORI numbers start with a two-letter country code based on where you registered for it (FR for France, for example), followed by a unique number up to 17 characters long. UK EORI numbers have 14 numbers after the country code.

The EU introduced EORI numbers to help track goods as they crossed international borders. Primarily, it helps tackle illegal trade and fraud. Plus, it makes the exchange of information between authorities and traders more efficient, reducing the time shipments spend in Customs.

Is an EORI number the same as a VAT number?

EORI numbers are different from VAT (Value Added Tax) numbers. You’ll get a VAT number if you’re registered for VAT in the EU or the UK. An EORI number is unique to your business and identifies you as an entity importing and exporting across EU and UK borders. If you have a VAT number your EORI number can be linked to it. Even if you don’t have a VAT number, you still might need an EORI number.

Find out if you need to register for VAT in the EU by taking our 30 seconds quiz:

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Why do I need an EORI number?

If you want to import goods into the UK or the EU for business purposes, you’ll need a valid EORI number. Private individuals don’t need an EORI number – they're only for people or businesses shipping goods that aren’t for personal use.

You need to include your EORI number on any customs declarations you’re filling out. If you want to use Duty Deferment in the UK, you’ll need to link your EORI number to your Customs Declaration Service (CDS) account.

If you want to appoint a customs agent (someone to handle customs on your behalf), you’ll still need your own EORI number. They won’t be able to handle your goods without it.

Get IOSS registered in 3 working days

An IOSS number makes it easy to handle EU import VAT, and we make IOSS registrations and returns even easier with support that’s rated 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.

IOSS registrations can take as little as 3 working days, meaning if you talk to us on Monday, we can have your IOSS number by Thursday.

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Where do I need to register for an EORI number?

Where you should register for an EORI number depends on where your goods are going, and where your business is based. Even if your goods just passing through a country, you’ll still need an EORI number. If your business is based in the EU, you should register in the country where you’re established. For non-EU businesses it’s best practice to register in the country where you first have to lodge a customs declaration or engage with customs. If you know all your goods will be shipped through Rotterdam Port, for example, then you should register in the Netherlands.

Since the UK left the EU (Brexit), HMRC (the UK’s tax and customs authority) has handled two EORI numbers: GB and XI. If you’re shipping goods into or through England, Scotland or Wales you’ll need a GB EORI number. If you’re shipping goods into or through Northern Ireland, you’ll need an XI EORI number. This is because Northern Ireland continues to apply EU VAT and customs rules for physical goods.

You can’t ship goods into the EU with a GB EORI number and vice versa. However, you can use an EORI number from any EU country or Northern Ireland in every EU country. An EORI number from the Netherlands will be valid in Bulgaria and vice versa, for example.

How do I get an EORI number?

We can get you an EORI number and help you decide which country you should register in. We’ll need some details about your business, so book a call and we’ll get things started.

How do I get an EORI number

What’s the cost of an EORI number?

EORI number processing time:

We can get you an EORI number and help you decide which country you should register in. We’ll need some details about your business, so book a call and we’ll get things started.

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How do I get an EORI number?

We can get you an EORI number and help you decide which country you should register in. We’ll need some details about your business, so book a call and we’ll get things started.

How much does an EORI number cost?

We can help you decide where to register and get your number sorted for you for a one-off fee of £100 (ex-VAT).

How long does it take to get an EORI number?

It varies depending on which country you’re registering in. In Austria it usually takes two days whereas in Denmark it can take up to three weeks.

How we can help?

VAT Rate Advice

Did you know that in the UK, Gingerbread men have either no VAT or 20% VAT applied to them depending on whether their smile is made from chocolate? Know for sure you’re charging the right rates, no matter what you’re selling and where with help from our expert consultants.

VAT Refunds

Take the hassle out of getting a VAT refund on purchases you’ve made in the EU. We’ll handle the paperwork for any 13th directive VAT reclaims you want to make. 

One Stop Shop Schemes

Import One Stop Shop isn’t the only EU VAT scheme we handle. If your goods are in the EU when they’re sold or you’re providing services, we get you registered for Union or Non-Union One Stop Shop.  

Amazon FBAs

Signing up to FBA means moving your stock to Amazon’s warehouses. We’ll sort out the VAT obligations that come with it, so you can focus on making sales.

VAT Registrations

Need a single registration? We can manage VAT registrations for you in 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. 

Integrations and our API 

Hook your store into our compliance platform and our API will automatically pull your sales data. Then all you have to do is approve the monthly return we’ll prepare for you. 

Get Your EORI Number Sorted Today

Book a call with a member of our team and we’ll get your EORI registration started. If you’re not sure where you need to register, don’t worry – we're here to help.

Book a Call

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Customer Reviews

Monika Milcarz, GB

We are using the SimplyVAT service for our EU VAT returns

We are using the Simply Vat service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

We are using the SimplyVAT service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

Vincent, Switzerland

A very professional firm

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service and quick response time to our various questions. What a difference from our previous provider (VatGlobal). Do not hesitate to use them.

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Making life simpler

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us efficiently and effectively, indluding extracting refunds!
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Brilliant support!

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT -

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT - from the initial client call, to signing up, to registering with the EU for VAT - I've had excellent support.

Especially the calls I have had with Tamara and Debbie have been priceless, they walked me through my VAT return step-by-step, using language I could understand (translating TAX-lingo whenever needed).

With their guidance and reassurance I feel confident my business will run smoothly, with all EU VAT requirements met. Can't recommend SimplyVAT enough

Michael

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SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice

SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice that streamlined our VAT processes. Communication was always prompt, and their support made a complex task feel straightforward.

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As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step

As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step with confidence and professionalism. Their expertise gave us the assurance to enter new markets without worrying about compliance issues.

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Working with SimplyVAT has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is incredibly responsive, ensuring all our VAT filings are submitted on time without any hassle.

Working with SimplyVAT has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is incredibly responsive, ensuring all our VAT filings are submitted on time without any hassle. They’ve taken a huge weight off our shoulders, allowing us to focus on growth.

Sarah

“Their clear guidance turned VAT complexity into a manageable task.”

I was dreading dealing with VAT for our growing e-commerce business, but SimplyVAT made it so much easier. T

I was dreading dealing with VAT for our growing e-commerce business, but SimplyVAT made it so much easier. Their team provided clear, step-by-step guidance and was always available to clarify doubts. It’s rare to find a service that combines expertise with such approachable support.

Mark

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SimplyVAT has been a fantastic partner for our business. Their team is always proactive, answering questions before we even ask them, and their expertise

SimplyVAT has been a fantastic partner for our business. Their team is always proactive, answering questions before we even ask them, and their expertise has saved us countless hours on VAT compliance. Highly recommend their services to any business looking to simplify their tax processes.

SimplyVAT customer

“SimplyVAT’s platform made VAT compliance simple and stress-free.”

Really smooth process from start to finish. I represent a Kiwi company entering the EU market and looked around at options for helping sort VAT.

Really smooth process from start to finish. I represent a Kiwi company entering the EU market and looked around at options for helping sort VAT. SimplyVAT were excellent right from the start - making what would have been a very complicated process simple and clear. Clear communication and a nice backend portal made the process run smoothly.

Ajay

“Liza and Sonja delivered flawless VAT compliance support.”

Flawless service, by SimplyVAT have had excellent service first by Liza and then Sonja. Both have been amazing

Flawless service, by SimplyVAT have had excellent service first by Liza and then Sonja. Both have been amazing

Christoffer

“SimplyVAT quickly understood our needs for seamless e-commerce VAT solutions.”

Amazing experience! This is a game changer for those in the E-commerce space etc. They quickly understand your needs and finds the best approach.

Full Review: Amazing experience! This is a game changer for those in the E-commerce space etc. They quickly understand your needs and finds the best approach. Would highly recommend

David

“Vittoria’s exceptional care ensures our VAT filings are always on track.”

We have been working with Simply VAT for years now. We always get a great service from them and Vittoria always looks after our account really well.

We have been working with Simply VAT for years now. We always get a great service from them and Vittoria always looks after our account really well.

Anthony

“Vittoria’s thorough communication restored our faith in SimplyVAT’s service.”

Our account manager, Vittoria, provides a consistently high level of communication and service, which. She is very quick at replying and is very thorough in her responses as well.

Our account manager, Vittoria, provides a consistently high level of communication and service, which. She is very quick at replying and is very thorough in her responses as well. Our previous account manager wasn't great and we were considering leaving SimplyVAT, but to her credit, Vittoria came in and restored our faith in the company. Thanks again 🙂