Skip to content
homola cargo

Customs

EORI numbers

In short

An EORI is the identification number every business needs to lodge a customs declaration in the EU. You get one from the customs authority of the member state where you are established, and one number works across the whole EU.

Updated 20 August 2026 · Last reviewed 20 August 2026 · M. Homola, Founder, customs agent

Key takeaways

  • One EORI per legal entity, valid EU-wide.
  • Apply in your country of establishment, not the country of import.
  • Issue times range from same day to about two weeks by member state.

Do you need one?

If your company is named as importer on a customs declaration, yes. If you are buying DDP and the seller is importing in its own name, no — but then the seller, not you, is the declarant and controls the classification.

This is general information, not advice for a specific shipment. Rules change; check the official source or ask us about your consignment.