EORI Numbers Demystified: What Every Exporter Needs to Know

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique code used by HMRC and other customs authorities to track and record import and export activity. Think of it as your business’s ID number for international trade. It ensures your customs declarations, shipments, and communications with border agencies are correctly linked to your business.

Every EORI begins with a country prefix, for example, “GB” for Great Britain or “XI” for Northern Ireland, followed by a unique identifier such as your VAT number. Without it, customs systems can’t process your paperwork, meaning your goods will be held until you sort it out.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

If you move goods in or out of the UK for commercial purposes, you almost certainly need one. This includes:

UK businesses exporting or importing goods to or from the EU or anywhere outside it
Companies in Northern Ireland trading with the EU or Great Britain
Freight forwarders, customs agents, and logistics providers acting on behalf of clients
In short, if you deal with customs declarations, you need an EORI. Even if your shipments are small or occasional, it’s better to apply before you start exporting rather than when your goods are already waiting at the border.

GB, XI and EU EORIs: Which One Do You Need?

Here’s where many businesses get tripped up. There isn’t just one type of EORI number.

GB EORI: For businesses established in Great Britain trading with any country outside the UK.
XI EORI: For businesses in Northern Ireland trading with the EU or GB.
EU EORI: Required if your company submits customs declarations in an EU country directly (for example, if you operate a branch in the Netherlands or Germany).
Some companies need both GB and XI EORIs, depending on where their goods move. Applying for the wrong one or missing a prefix is one of the most common causes of customs delays.

How to Apply for an EORI Number

You apply for an EORI directly through the HMRC website. The process is straightforward, but accuracy is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Your business details, including registered address and VAT number (if applicable)
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
The date your business started and type of business entity
Your Companies House registration number (if you have one)
A Government Gateway account (you can set this up as part of the process)
Once submitted, most EORI numbers are issued instantly. In some cases, such as complex group structures or non-VAT-registered companies, it can take up to five working days. You’ll receive your number by email, and you can check its validity using the EORI number validation tool.

Common EORI Mistakes That Delay Shipments

It’s not the application form that causes problems, it’s the small details. These are the most frequent issues businesses face:

Mismatched information – The address or company name on the EORI doesn’t match HMRC records.
Wrong prefix – Applying for a GB EORI when you needed an XI one (or vice versa).
Late applications – Trying to ship goods before the EORI has been confirmed.
Duplicate requests – Submitting multiple applications and confusing customs systems.
Assuming VAT registration is essential – Non-VAT businesses can and should still get an EORI.
Fixing these errors often takes longer than getting it right first time, so it pays to double-check before you apply.

Why Expert Help Makes a Difference

Applying for an EORI is simple on paper, but in practice it can be confusing, especially if you’re not sure which number you need, how it connects with your export documentation, or whether your business qualifies as “established” in the UK. This is where expert support can save time, stress, and money. At ExportDocuments.co.uk, we help businesses of all sizes get their EORI number right the first time. Our team will:

Advise on which EORI type you need (GB, XI, or both)
Check your business details match HMRC records
Guide you through the online application step-by-step
Ensure your EORI is properly linked to your export documents and declarations
We also offer onboarding support for new exporters. If you’re setting up an account with us, we’ll help you apply for your EORI number as part of the process meaning you can start exporting with confidence from day one.

Ready to Get Your EORI Number?

Don’t let a missing EORI number hold your business back. Whether you’re exporting for the first time or restarting after Brexit, ExportDocuments.co.uk can help you register, verify, and use your EORI number correctly. You’ll get clear advice, quick support, and the reassurance that your exports are ready to move without delay. Contact us today for one-to-one help getting your EORI number or to set up your export account.