# What the EORI database holds

> The data the Commission guidance says is stored for each EORI number, which fields are optional, who controls the data and what the public checker shows.

- Canonical URL: https://eorilookup.com/what-the-eori-database-holds/
- Source: [European Commission, EORI guidance document](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/bbe4c653-3b6d-4bed-932c-61bb77711384_en?filename=EN_EORI%20Guidance%20document.pdf)
- Checked: 2026-10-21

## Who keeps it

The Commission runs a central database that replicates the national records. Each Member State enters and updates the data for the operators it registered and is the controller of that data under data protection law. The public checker is an interface to this database ([guidance](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/bbe4c653-3b6d-4bed-932c-61bb77711384_en?filename=EN_EORI%20Guidance%20document.pdf)).

## Mandatory fields

The guidance lists these as required for upload:

- The EORI number.
- The full name, with a field of up to 512 characters.
- The address of establishment or residence: street, postcode, city and country code.
- Whether the person is established in the EU.
- The VAT identification number or numbers assigned to the registered person.
- The consent to publication.
- A short name, up to 70 characters.
- Start and expiry dates.

## Optional or national fields

Legal status, contact information, a third-country unique identifier, the date of establishment or birth, the type of person (natural, legal or association) and the NACE activity code are optional or left to each Member State.

## What the public sees

The public interface checks whether a number is active. It shows the name and address only if the holder consented to publication. Consent must be given in written form and can be withdrawn. The data subject keeps the rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction and portability set out in the guidance ([guidance](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/bbe4c653-3b6d-4bed-932c-61bb77711384_en?filename=EN_EORI%20Guidance%20document.pdf)).

## What the database is not

- **Not a list of companies.** You cannot search it for businesses by activity.
- **Not a verification of an address.** Addresses in customs declarations are not validated against the database.
- **Not a ranking or a certificate.** A valid number says the holder is registered. It does not say the business is reliable.

## What this site does with it

Nothing. We do not query the database, store numbers or send what you type anywhere. The [format checker](https://eorilookup.com/) tests the shape of a number in your browser only.

---
EORI Lookup Guide · Contact: contact@eorilookup.com