An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is essential if you often move goods between Great Britain and any other country. You wouldn’t need an EORI number if the goods you’re moving for personal use only. Also, you need an EORI number if your business is established or based in the country you’re moving goods to or from. You also need the number even if your business isn’t based in the country you’re moving the goods to or from.
To get your EORI number, your business should have premises based in the country to or from which you’re importing goods. The premises may be a registered office, central headquarters, or permanent business establishment. Even if your business isn’t established in the country you’re importing goods to or from, there are situations that will require an EORI number. For example, an EORI number is required if you’re making a customs declaration, entry or exit summary declaration, and temporary storage declaration.
Your EORI number will also be requested if you appoint someone to deal with customs on your behalf and to apply for a customs decision. Also, you will need it to make a customs declaration for temporary admission or to re-export a declaration where you have a guarantee. Meanwhile, you will require the services of someone else to deal with customs on your behalf if you’re ineligible to apply for an EORI number.