Who needs an EORI number?

Any business carrying out customs operations in the EU — imports, exports, transit — and any business moving goods to or from Great Britain. A business outside the EU needs an EU number if it lodges customs declarations there itself.

How long does it take to get a GB EORI number?

Usually immediately; up to 5 working days if HMRC needs to check the application. An XI number follows within 5 days.

Does an EORI number expire?

No. The European Commission says EORI numbers do not have an expiration date.

Term

EORI number

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is the identifier customs uses for a business in the EU and the UK. It is mandatory for every customs operation in the EU — import, export and transit — and is a two-letter country code followed by up to 15 letters or digits. EORI numbers do not expire.

Also called EORI, Economic Operators Registration and Identification, GB EORI, XI EORI, EORI number UKApplies in EU, UKUpdated 13 October 2026

The format

Country code of the issuing country (2 letters) + identifier unique in that country (up to 15 alphanumeric characters) → for example DE + 14 characters

The format is the European Commission's. A UK number for moving goods to or from Great Britain starts with GB; one for Northern Ireland starts with XI.

Businesses established in the EU register with the customs authority where they are established. A business established outside the EU needs one too if it carries out customs activities there, such as lodging a declaration. The number goes on every declaration and on applications for customs authorisations, including AEO status.

GB and XI numbers in the UK

To move goods to or from Great Britain, a business needs an EORI that starts with GB. HMRC issues it immediately unless it needs to make checks, which can take up to 5 working days. For Northern Ireland an XI number is needed, issued within 5 days — and only after a GB EORI has been applied for.

Worked example: who needs which

Business	Needs
A UK company importing into Great Britain	A GB EORI
The same company moving goods into Northern Ireland	A GB EORI first, then an XI EORI
A German buyer importing under its own name	An EORI from Germany, starting DE
A US seller lodging its own EU declarations to sell DDP	An EU EORI, though it is not established there

The mistake people make

Booking the shipment before the number exists. HMRC warns that without the right EORI number goods may be delayed at customs and costs rise — they may have to be stored until one is issued. A GB number is usually instant; an XI number can take days, so apply for both before the first Northern Ireland load.

FAQ

EORI number: common questions

Who needs an EORI number?: Any business carrying out customs operations in the EU — imports, exports, transit — and any business moving goods to or from Great Britain. A business outside the EU needs an EU number if it lodges customs declarations there itself.
How long does it take to get a GB EORI number?: Usually immediately; up to 5 working days if HMRC needs to check the application. An XI number follows within 5 days.
Does an EORI number expire?: No. The European Commission says EORI numbers do not have an expiration date.