All transactions or operations related to the import and export of goods require knowledge of the use of certain protocols, handling of documents and legislation related to these tasks.

The exchange of goods and services requires the simplification of processes to provide greater fluidity and offer faster and more efficient procedures, especially in the customs environment.

International trade is an activity that involves the movement of goods through different countries. In this process, it is necessary to comply with certain legal and customs requirements that vary from country to country. One of the most important requirements is the EORI number.

In this article, we will explore what the EORI number is, what it is for, when it is needed and how to obtain it. If you are involved in international trade, it is important to understand the role of the EORI number and how it can affect your business operations.

 

What is the EORI number

The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is simply defined as the identification number assigned by the customs authorities to economic agents so that they can carry out activities or transactions through customs.

The EORI number is valid throughout the European Union. It is not mandatory to have this number if the operators or economic agents are not legally established in the European Union.

The obligation to have the EORI number will be for all those economic operators belonging to a member state and who need to carry out import or export activities through a customs office of a member state.

The EORI usually consists of the ISO country code (e.g. ES for Spain) together with the digits that make up the operator’s VAT number.

 

What the EORI is for

As mentioned above, the EORI number is the identification data of those operators in the European Union who need to make transactions at the customs offices of the member states.

It is a number that identifies the operator at customs, which strengthens the improvement of security in the foreign trade of goods. The processing of information at customs is less compromised by using identification numbers for each operator.

Thus, we are talking about a key number in the relations between economic operators and customs.

 

Importance of the EORI Number in International Trade

The EORI number is essential for international trade, as it ensures that import and export operations are carried out smoothly and in compliance with European Union customs regulations.

This unique number enables customs authorities to quickly identify economic operators, speeding up the clearance of goods and reducing the risk of errors and penalties. It also facilitates the traceability of transactions, which enhances security and regulatory compliance throughout Europe.

For any company involved in international trade, having a valid EORI number is crucial to operate legally and smoothly.

 

When necessary

The EORI number is mandatory for all companies or individuals that carry out import or export activities within the European Union. This includes both companies that carry out regular commercial transactions and individuals that carry out sporadic imports or exports.

In addition, the EORI number is also required for any customs formalities related to international trade, such as obtaining import or export authorizations, applying for special customs procedures, issuing transport documents or filing customs declarations.

In some cases, a company may already have an EORI number automatically assigned when registering with certain EU tax authorities, such as the VAT register. However, it is important to verify if the assigned EORI number is valid and active before performing any import or export activity .

 

How to obtain it

The process for obtaining an EORI number varies depending on the location of the company or individual requesting it. In general, if the company or individual is already registered in a national trade registry, then the EORI number can be applied for through this registry.

If the company or individual is not registered in a national trade registry, the EORI number must be requested directly from the national customs authority of the country in which the company or individual is located.

To apply for an EORI number, certain documents and data must be provided, such as tax identification number (NIF), VAT identification number, company registration or personal identification, as well as information on the import and export activities to be carried out.

It is important to note that although the application process for the EORI number may be different in each country, most EU countries have an online process to apply for the EORI number. The customs authority will provide additional information and assistance to help companies or individuals obtain their EORI number.

 

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How to verify the validity of an EORI Number

Once you have obtained your EORI number, it is essential to verify its validity to ensure that it is active and can be used for customs operations. You can do this verification through the online database provided by the European Commission.

Simply enter the EORI number in the corresponding platform, and you will receive a confirmation of its status. This verification is crucial before any import or export operation, as it ensures that there will be no legal problems or delays in the customs process.

 

Deadline for using the EORI number once it has been activated

Once the EORI number is activated, you will have 48 hours to start exporting and importing without any inconvenience. From that moment on, if the customs authorities require your EORI number to process the clearance of the goods, you will be able to provide it to them without any problem.

It is important to note that if you are a foreigner and do not have a valid TIN in the country where the import or export takes place, you must request the link between the EORI and the TIN in order to be able to carry out these operations. It is necessary to mention that only with the EORI number you will not be able to carry out these commercial activities.

 

Differences between EORI, ROI and NIF

The EORI number , the ROI and the NIF are three identifiers used in commercial transactions in the European Union. Each of them has a specific function and their use depends on the type of operation being performed.

The EORI number, as mentioned above, is a unique identifier assigned to companies that carry out import or export operations in the EU. This number is used to identify companies before the customs authorities and is essential to be able to carry out these operations legally.

On the other hand, the ROI (Registro de operador intracomunitario) also known as VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is a mandatory registration for companies that carry out intra-community operations in the EU. Its main function is to identify the companies that carry out these operations and ensure that they are complying with their tax obligations.

The NIF (Tax Identification Number) is an identifier that is used in many EU countries for identify companies to the tax authorities. Its use is mandatory for all companies that carry out economic activities in these countries and is essential to comply with fiscal and tax obligations.

In summary, although all three identifiers have a specific function and are important for different aspects of business operations in the EU, the EORI number is necessary to perform import and export operations, the ROI is necessary for intra-EU operations and the NIF is necessary to comply with fiscal and tax obligations. It is important to understand the differences between these identifiers and their proper use to avoid potential problems and penalties when conducting business in the EU.

 

Across Logistics, your partner for Customs management.

At Across Logistics we have extensive experience in customs and international trade management. Our team of highly trained professionals can help your company simplify the import and export process, ensuring that your operations are carried out efficiently and in compliance with customs regulations.

By relying on us as your logistics partner, you can save time and effort in managing your customs operations, allowing you to focus on other important areas of your business.

In addition, our knowledge and experience in customs customs management allows us to ensure that your company complies with all legal and customs requirements, avoiding possible problems and delays in the delivery of your products.

In short, relying on Across Logistics for customs management can be the best decision for your company, saving you time and money, reducing risk and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.


Contact us to learn more about our services to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage your international trade operations.