EORI number format
- Two letters for the country that issued the number (FR, DE, BE, NL…), followed by up to 15 letters or digits
- France: FR followed, in general, by the 14-digit SIRET of the establishment
- United Kingdom: GB followed by 12 or 15 digits; Northern Ireland: XI followed by 12 or 15 digits
- Greece: the EORI prefix is GR, whereas Greek VAT numbers use EL
- No spaces, dots or dashes in a declaration: the tool removes them automatically
What the tool checks
First the structure of the number, in your browser. Then, if you ask, whether it exists: the tool queries the official register (the European Commission's EOS system for EU and XI numbers, HMRC for GB numbers) and shows whether the number is active.
The holder's name and address are shown only if the holder agreed to their publication. An active number does not prove that it belongs to the company you are dealing with: compare the name when it is published, otherwise ask the company to confirm it.
Why check an EORI number before using it
A wrong EORI number blocks the customs declaration: the goods are held, with storage charges, until it is corrected. Check your customers' and suppliers' numbers as soon as you receive them, then check your whole file with the import / export check.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool confirm that an EORI number is valid?
Yes, in two steps. The format is checked instantly; the “Check the official register” button then queries the European Commission (EU and XI numbers) or HMRC (GB numbers) and shows whether the number is issued and active.
Why is the EL prefix rejected?
EL is the prefix of Greek VAT numbers. Greek EORI numbers start with GR, the ISO country code for Greece.
Does a French EORI number always have 14 digits?
In the vast majority of cases, yes: it reuses the SIRET of the establishment. The tool shows a warning, not an error, when it does not.
Is the number I enter stored?
No. The format is checked in your browser. If you run the register check, the number, and nothing else, is sent to the official service; Customs Check does not store it in its database.
Is your file ready?
Check it for free in a few minutes, before you prepare your declaration.