What is an EORI-number?

  • Sandra Visser-Meijer
  • Q and A
  • Edited 3 November 2025
  • 2 min
  • Managing and growing
  • International

The EORI number is a mandatory identification number for EU companies importing or exporting goods outside the European Union. Customs organisations recognise a company by this number. You use it if you make an export or import declaration yourself, or if a forwarding agent does this for you. And also if you apply for a customs license. EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification.

Every EORI number is unique and is made up of numbers and letters. For example, NL 123456789. It is for legal forms such as eenmanszaak, VOF, or BV. With an EORI number, customs organisations can quickly exchange data with other countries inside or outside the EU. You need the number even if you only import or export occasionally. Without an EORI number, the Customs Administration of the Netherlands cannot process your imports or exports, which will delay your shipment.

Apply for a free EORI number

You can get an EORI number for free. You can create an EORI number yourself or apply for one from the Customs Administration of the Netherlands.

You create your own EORI number if:

You apply to the Customs Administration for an EORI number if:

  • someone else files a declaration for you, such as a forwarding agent
  • you file a declaration abroad
  • you have an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship)

You apply for the EORI number on the Customs Administration's website. Can you not figure it out? Call the Customs Hotline on 0800 01 43.

One EORI number for the entire EU

You apply for your EORI number once at the customs organisation in the country where your business is located. The number is valid in all EU countries. With a Dutch EORI number, you can import or export shipments via the customs organisation in, for example, Germany or Spain.

Export to and import from the UK

You use your Dutch EORI number to make export declarations in the Netherlands. The UK is not an EU country. To make import declarations in the UK, you need a British EORI number. This starts with GB and can be requested from the British government. You cannot use your Dutch EORI number to make import declarations in countries outside the EU.

Checking the EORI number 

Do you want to check the EORI number of another company? In the EU database, you can see if an EORI number is valid. Enter the number and then click validate. You can search only by number and not, for example, by name. 

Different identification numbers

Your EORI number, VAT ID number, VAT tax numberand RSIN number are all different numbers. See the table below for the differences. 

NumberExampleGet fromUse for
VAT IDNL123456789B45Tax AdministrationContact with customers and suppliers
VAT tax number123456789B02Tax AdministrationContact with the Tax Administration
RSIN123456789KVKExchangeinf information between organisations
EORI-numberNL123456789Customs Administration or create yourself Customs matters

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