# Who needs an EORI number, and where to apply

> Who must have an EORI number for customs and which authority issues it, according to the European Commission.

- Canonical URL: https://eorilookup.com/who-needs-an-eori-number/
- Source: [European Commission, EORI page](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en)
- Checked: 2026-10-20

## Who needs one

According to the [European Commission](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en):

- **Economic operators established in the EU customs territory.**
- **Operators not established in the EU** who lodge customs declarations, entry or exit summary declarations or temporary storage declarations, or who act as carriers.
- **Other persons**, where national law or other EU legal acts require one or where they carry out activities that require one.

Whether you personally need a number depends on your activity. Ask your national customs authority or a customs broker.

## Where to apply

Only one customs authority can assign an EORI number ([European Commission](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs/customs-procedures-import-and-export/customs-operations/economic-operators-registration-and-identification-number-eori_en)):

- If you are established in the EU, apply to the **national customs authority of your country of establishment**.
- If you are not established in the EU, apply in the **EU country where you plan your first customs operation**.
- Non-EU operators with several permanent establishments in the EU can apply in any of those countries.

The Commission also publishes a [search for registering authorities](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/ra_consultation.jsp).

## United Kingdom

For GB numbers, see the UK government's own guidance on GOV.UK. We have not summarised the UK application steps here because they change; use the [official service](https://www.gov.uk/check-eori-number) and its linked pages.

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EORI Lookup Guide · Contact: contact@eorilookup.com