How to get a UK EORI number

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification number is how customs identifies the business behind a shipment. A UK one starts with GB and is followed by twelve digits — usually your VAT number with 000 on the end. Applying is free, and you usually get it immediately unless HMRC needs to make checks.

• Needed to move goods between Great Britain and any other country, including the EU
• Also needed between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands
• HMRC asks for your UTR, business start date, SIC code, VAT number and National Insurance number
• Northern Ireland movements usually need a second number starting with XI
• Free — HMRC does not charge for one

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