If your business moves any goods into or out of the United Kingdom, you need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. Without one, your shipments will be held at the border — no exceptions. This guide explains how to apply, how long it really takes, and the mistakes that cause HMRC to reject applications.
What is an EORI number?
An EORI number is a unique identifier issued by HMRC. It is used on every customs declaration, transit document and licence application. UK businesses are issued a number that begins with GB, followed by your VAT number (if you have one) plus three digits. Traders who also move goods into Northern Ireland from the rest of the world need an additional XI EORI.
Who needs one?
You need a GB EORI if you:
- Import goods into Great Britain from any country, including the EU
- Export goods from Great Britain to any country, including the EU
- Move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in certain circumstances
- Act as a customs agent or carrier
You need an XI EORI if you:
- Move goods between Northern Ireland and any country outside the EU
- Make declarations in Northern Ireland
- Apply for certain Northern Ireland customs authorisations
How to apply
Applications are made online through GOV.UK. You will need:
- Your VAT number and effective date (if VAT-registered)
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
- Your Government Gateway user ID
- The date your business started
Sole traders without a VAT number can still apply — HMRC will issue a non-VAT EORI based on the National Insurance number or UTR.
How long does it take?
HMRC's official guidance says applications are processed within five working days. In practice, most simple applications come back within 48 hours. Complex cases — particularly XI EORI applications and businesses with no UK trading history — can take two to three weeks.
If you have not received a response after a week, contact the EORI team directly rather than reapplying. Submitting a duplicate application slows things down further.
Common reasons HMRC rejects applications
- Address mismatch between Companies House and the application
- Inactive VAT registration — the VAT number must be current
- Missing UTR for sole traders or partnerships
- Wrong Government Gateway account — must be the business account, not personal
- Recently dissolved or restored company with HMRC records out of sync
After you have your EORI
Your EORI is permanent and travels with the business. Update HMRC if your address, VAT status or legal entity changes. Many traders never use their EORI directly because brokers file declarations on their behalf, but it still needs to be quoted on every shipment.
Linking your EORI to CDS
If you are filing your own declarations, you must also subscribe your EORI to the Customs Declaration Service through your Government Gateway. This is a one-off step. If you appoint a broker, they will simply quote your EORI on the declaration — you do not need a CDS subscription yourself.
Need help?
PCS Port Clearance Services Ltd can prepare and submit your EORI application, follow up with HMRC, and have your number active in days. As an AEO-licensed broker with a bilingual English and Turkish team, we support traders across every UK port. Call +353 1 960 2215 or email customs@pcsl.uk.com to get started.