What Is an EORI Number? UK Guide for Importers

What does an EORI number mean?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It identifies businesses and other people for customs activities, including import and export declarations.

For a buyer bringing goods from China into England, Scotland or Wales for business, a GB EORI is normally part of preparing for customs clearance. It does not replace the customs declaration.

Who needs one when buying from China?

The requirement depends on the goods, their purpose and the customs activity. Sole traders, small businesses and larger companies can all need an EORI.

Using a customs agent does not automatically remove the requirement: GOV.UK says you need your EORI when appointing someone to handle customs if you are established in the country you are importing to or exporting from.

GB versus XI: which number applies?

GB EORIs apply to customs activities in Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. XI EORIs apply to relevant customs activities in Northern Ireland. Check the route and declaration requirements rather than treating the prefixes as interchangeable.

The Windsor Framework provides simplified processes for eligible business movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Eligibility and authorisations still matter; having an EORI alone does not establish access to those processes.

Check XI eligibility before applying. If you already have an EU-issued EORI, you do not need an XI EORI. If you need to apply for XI, obtain a GB EORI first.

What does a GB EORI number look like?

HMRC confirms that a GB EORI has the prefix GB followed by 12 digits. You do not have to be VAT registered to obtain one.

Use the number HMRC issues. Matching the format does not establish that a number is valid.

How do I check an EORI number?

For GB numbers, use GOV.UK’s Check an EORI number service. See also our EORI number checker.

For XI and EU-issued numbers, use the European Commission’s EORI validation service. GOV.UK directs users there for non-GB checks.

HMRC’s service can display the registered name and address where the holder has agreed to share them. Its validity check does not assess supplier quality or confirm shipment clearance. If a number returns as invalid, confirm the prefix and spelling with its holder.

Where do I apply, and how long does it take?

Apply through GOV.UK. HMRC issues EORI numbers free of charge. GOV.UK says you will get a GB EORI immediately unless HMRC needs to check your application, which can take up to 5 working days.

For shipment planning, read when to apply for a GB EORI before your first China shipment.

For a change of business structure, see moving from sole trader to limited company. For a personal parcel query, see personal purchases from China and courier EORI requests.

Sources

The official sources below support the requirements, formats, validation routes and application timing described here.