# Where to apply for an EORI number

> Only one customs authority can assign your EORI number. Find which country's customs to contact, whether you are established in the EU, outside it or in Great Britain.

- Canonical URL: https://eorilookup.com/eori-application-country/
- Source: [European Commission, EORI number](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en)
- Checked: 2026-10-24

This page includes a free interactive tool that runs in the browser and sends no data. The figures and rules it uses are the ones stated on this page, with their sources.

## One number, one authority

Only one customs authority can assign an EORI number, and the number is valid across the EU ([European Commission](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en)). Applying twice in different countries is not the way to get faster service.

## Which country

- **Established in the EU:** the national customs authority of your country of establishment.
- **Not established in the EU:** the EU country where you plan your first customs operation.
- **Not established in the EU but with several permanent establishments in EU countries:** any of those countries.

All from [European Commission](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en). The Commission publishes a [search for registering authorities](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/ra_consultation.jsp).

## Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GB numbers are issued in the UK; see [GB, XI and EU numbers](https://eorilookup.com/gb-xi-and-eu-numbers/) for when an XI number is needed for Northern Ireland.

## A German detail

German customs issue the number free of charge through the customs portal; from 1 October 2026 the portal is mandatory and paper forms are kept for emergencies ([Zoll](https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Duties-and-taxes/EORI-number/Questions-and-answers/questions-and-answers.html)).

## How to run the check
Pick your situation and type the country. The app shows the authority to contact and the link to the Commission's list. Then use the [format checker](https://eorilookup.com/) to test the number you receive.

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EORI Lookup Guide · Contact: contact@eorilookup.com