What is an EORI-number?

  • Sandra Visser-Meijer
  • Q and A
  • Edited 27 August 2024
  • 1 min
  • Managing and growing
  • International

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. The EORI number is a mandatory identification number for EU companies doing business abroad amd dealing with customs. Customs organisations recognise a company by this number. You use it for all your interactions with customs. For example, if you make an export or import declaration yourself, or if a forwarding agent does this for you. And if you apply for a customs license.

Every EORI number is unique and is made up of numbers and letters. 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. 

Apply for an EORI number

You can create an EORI number yourself or apply for one from the Customs Administration of the Netherlands. Do you make your own import or export declarations in the Netherlands? Then create your EORI number yourself. To do this, you need a Legal Entities and Partnerships Identification Number (RSIN: Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Informatienummer). Government organisations use the RSIN number to exchange data. 

Do you have a sole proprietorship and no RSIN? Apply to the Customs Administration for an EORI number. You should also do this if you file a declaration abroad. Or if you have someone else file a declaration for you. For example, a forwarding agent.

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, and VAT tax number are all different numbers. You get your VAT identification number and VAT tax number from the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). You use your VAT ID number when communicating with your customers and suppliers. Use your VAT tax number when contacting the Tax Administration. And your EORI number is for customs matters.

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