As international shipping becomes more regulated post-Brexit, obtaining an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number has become an essential compliance step for businesses and individuals trading between the UK and the EU. Without an EORI number, your shipments can be delayed, refused at customs, or even returned.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get an EORI number, highlight recent updates to UK–EU trade regulations, and show how Union Fine Art Services can ensure your customs procedures are seamless and fully compliant.
What Is an EORI Number?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique ID code used by customs authorities to track and register importers and exporters within the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Why It’s Important:
- Required for customs declarations in the UK and/or EU.
- Mandatory for shipping commercial goods between the UK and the EU.
- Helps in duty payment tracking, VAT administration, and cargo clearance.
If you’re trading goods across UK–EU borders, you must have an EORI number from the appropriate customs authority.
Who Needs an EORI Number?
You need an EORI number if:
- You import or export goods for commercial reasons between the UK and the EU.
- You act as a customs agent or freight forwarder, handling shipments on behalf of others.
- You’re an online seller using Amazon FBA or other platforms that ship across the UK-EU borders.
- You’re involved in temporary imports or exports (e.g., artworks for exhibition, stage props, samples, etc.).
✅ Art industry note: If you’re shipping high-value art between the UK and EU—even temporarily—you still need an EORI number. At Union Fine Art Services, we can help artists, galleries, and institutions register and handle customs clearances with ease.
Types of EORI Numbers (Post-Brexit)
After the UK’s exit from the EU, separate EORI registrations are required for both the UK and the EU if you’re trading in both zones.
| Trade Activity | Required EORI Number Format |
| UK Imports or Exports | GB123456789000 |
| Northern Ireland → EU | XI123456789000 |
| EU Imports or Exports | Format based on Member State (e.g., DE123456789 for Germany) |
- GB EORI: For businesses operating in the UK.
- XI EORI: For Northern Ireland-specific EU shipments.
- EU EORI: For businesses operating in EU member states.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain a UK EORI Number
✅ Step 1: Check If You Already Have One
Before applying, check if your business is already registered:
- Visit the UK Government’s EORI number validation tool: https://www.gov.uk/check-eori-number
If you’re registered for UK VAT, you may have been auto-enrolled.
✅ Step 2: Gather the Required Information
You’ll need:
- Government Gateway login (create one if needed)
- VAT number (if applicable)
- Company name and address
- Business activity and type
- Company registration number (if applicable)
- National Insurance number (for sole traders)
- Contact details of the applicant
✅ Step 3: Apply Online
Apply via the official HMRC site:
https://www.gov.uk/eori/apply-for-eori
Processing Time:
- Typically, within a few hours for UK VAT-registered businesses.
- It may take up to 5 business days for non-VAT registered applicants.
✅ Step 4: Receive and Use Your EORI Number
Once issued, your EORI number will look like:
GB + your VAT number + 000
You’ll need to input it in all:
- Customs declarations
- Commercial invoices
- Shipping documentation
🎨 At Union Fine Art Services, we assist clients in registering for the correct EORI number and ensuring their shipment documents reflect all necessary customs identifiers.
How to Obtain an EU EORI Number
If you’re based in the UK but regularly export to the EU, you also need an EU EORI from the first EU country where you’ll make a customs declaration.
✅ Step 1: Choose the Member State
You must apply in the country where you first interact with EU customs. Common choices:
- France (for RoRo ferry crossings)
- Netherlands (for shipments via Rotterdam)
- Germany, Belgium, etc.
✅ Step 2: Visit the Country’s Customs Portal
Each EU country has its portal and process. Example:
- Apply for EORI in France (Douane)
- Apply for EORI in the Netherlands (Belastingdienst)
- Apply in Germany (Zoll)
Required documents may include:
- UK company registration docs
- VAT certificate
- A passport copy of the director/owner
- Shipping/contract evidence
✅ Step 3: Await Approval
Processing times vary:
- France: 2–5 working days
- Netherlands: 1–2 weeks
- Germany: 1 week
Once approved, you’ll receive a country-specific EORI, e.g., FR123456789.
Do I Need Both a UK and EU EORI Number?
Yes, if you’re based in the UK and physically moving goods to or through the EU, you’ll typically need both:
- A UK EORI (to export from the UK)
- An EU EORI (to import into the EU)
EORI Numbers and Northern Ireland (NI)
The Northern Ireland Protocol means businesses in Northern Ireland face unique requirements.
NI Traders May Need:
- GB EORI (for UK trade)
- XI EORI (for trade with EU under the NI Protocol)
Apply for an XI EORI via the same UK Government portal. You’ll be prompted if you’re eligible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong format (e.g., GB instead of XI for NI–EU trade).
- Failing to register in the EU when needed.
- Not updating shipping partners with your EORI number.
- Confusing personal vs. business trade rules.
💼 Avoid these pitfalls by consulting with experts. At Union Fine Art Services, we regularly manage EORI registration, customs compliance, and complete paperwork for both private collectors and institutional clients.
EORI for Art Shipments and Cultural Goods
Transporting fine art between the UK and the EU has become more complex post-Brexit. Whether it’s a single piece or a traveling exhibition, you’ll likely need:
- A UK EORI (for customs export declarations)
- An EU EORI (for customs import declarations)
- Temporary admission documents (ATA Carnet) if items are not for sale
- Cultural goods export licenses (for heritage artworks)
🎨 Union Fine Art Services offers specialized EORI and customs registration support tailored to art logistics, ensuring a smooth cross-border journey for your artwork.
FAQs
Can an individual apply for an EORI number?
Yes. Sole traders and individuals shipping goods for commercial purposes can apply.
Is there a cost to get an EORI number?
No, it’s free to apply for both UK and EU EORI numbers.
How long does it take to get an EORI?
- UK: Within a few hours to 5 working days
- EU: 2–10 working days, depending on the country
Can I ship without an EORI number?
No. If you try, your goods may be held at customs, incur storage fees, or be returned.
Why Use Union Fine Art Services for Customs Compliance?
Union Fine Art Services is an international leader in fine art logistics, customs clearance, and cross-border shipping. We specialize in:
- EORI registration support (UK & EU)
- Export/import license guidance for cultural goods
- Temporary admission (ATA Carnet) management
- White-glove shipping and storage solutions
- Custom-tailored shipping documentation
Whether you’re a gallery, collector, institution, or individual, our in-house experts make international compliance hassle-free.
🎯 One point of contact. One seamless shipping experience. Complete compliance. That’s the Union Fine Art Services promise.
Final Checklist for Getting Your EORI Number (2025)
| Task | UK EORI | EU EORI |
| Register online with the government portal | ✅ | ✅ |
| Provide company or personal details. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Submit VAT and company registration. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Receive a confirmation email. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Include EORI in all customs documents. | ✅ | ✅ |
Conclusion
An EORI number is the first step toward customs compliance when shipping goods between the UK and the EU. Whether you’re an online retailer, freight forwarder, or fine art handler, understanding and applying for the correct EORI number ensures a smoother and faster cross-border process.
When in doubt, or when your cargo is too valuable to risk delays, partner with industry professionals like Union Fine Art Services. Our end-to-end logistics support—from customs to crating—ensures that your goods move across borders legally, efficiently, and on time.