If you run a business and plan to import or export goods outside the European Union, sooner or later you will come across the term EORI number. Without it, many customs formalities cannot be completed, and the customs clearance of goods may be delayed or suspended.
The EORI number is mandatory for businesses submitting customs declarations within the European Union. Therefore, it is worth knowing what it is, how the registration procedure works, and how EORI verification is carried out. In this article, we explain all the key issues step by step.
Key takeaways from the article
An EORI number is an EU identification number used during customs clearance procedures.
It is primarily required for importing and exporting goods to and from countries outside the European Union.
The number can be obtained electronically through the PUESC platform.
An official EORI search tool is available to verify the validity of EORI numbers.
EORI number verification is free of charge and takes only a few moments.
What is an EORI number and who needs one?
What is an EORI number? It is a unique identification number assigned to a business or another economic operator and used by the customs authorities of all European Union Member States.
The EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) system was introduced to standardize the identification of businesses involved in international trade in goods. As a result, customs authorities throughout the European Union use a single identifier, regardless of the country in which customs clearance takes place.
An EORI number is required primarily when a business:
imports goods from outside the EU,
exports goods outside the EU,
submits customs declarations,
uses customs procedures,
works with customs agencies.
If a company trades exclusively within the domestic market or only within the European Union, an EORI number is generally not required. The obligation arises only when carrying out customs operations involving non-EU countries.
What does an EORI number look like?
In Poland, it begins with the country code “PL”, followed by the company’s tax identification number (NIP) and additional characters assigned by the system.
A typical number may look similar to the following example:
PL123456789000000
However, this should not be treated as a universal format. The final structure of the number is generated by the customs administration system during registration.
It is worth remembering that every EORI number is unique. This means that a business may have only one active EORI number valid throughout the entire European Union.
Good to know
An EORI number does not replace a company’s NIP (Tax Identification Number) or EU VAT number. These are separate identifiers used for different administrative and tax purposes.
EORI number – how do you obtain one step by step?
Registration is completed electronically through the PUESC (Electronic Customs and Tax Services Platform).
The procedure itself is not complicated, but it requires creating an account in advance and verifying your identity. After logging in, you must complete the appropriate registration form by providing information about the business and its authorized representative.
The process of obtaining an EORI number can be divided into several stages:
creating an account in the PUESC system,
verifying the user’s identity,
submitting the registration application,
verification of the submitted information by the customs administration,
issuance of the EORI number.
How can you obtain an EORI number quickly? If all information is complete and correct, the number is often issued within a short period of time. If there are errors or missing information, the customs authority may request additional documents or corrections, which will extend the process.
A good practice is to obtain an EORI number before your first import or export transaction. This helps avoid delays during customs clearance.
Is PUESC the only way to register for an EORI number?
PUESC EORI is the official method for applying for an EORI number in Poland. It is through this platform that businesses communicate with the National Revenue Administration on customs-related matters.
The platform allows users not only to register for an EORI number but also to access many other services related to international trade in goods. Businesses can submit declarations, receive administrative decisions, and handle other customs procedures electronically.
If a company works with a customs agency, some formalities may be completed by an authorized representative. However, the EORI number itself is always assigned to the specific business.
How can you check an EORI number before starting cooperation with a business partner?
The easiest solution is to use the official search tool provided by the European Commission.
Verification involves entering the EORI number into the appropriate form. The system then indicates whether the number is active and registered in the EU database. This is particularly useful when beginning cooperation with a new business partner or before the first shipment.
You should always verify an EORI number whenever you have doubts about the accuracy of a trading partner’s information. This reduces the risk of errors during customs clearance and helps avoid unnecessary delays. It is important to note that the search tool does not provide full business details. The scope of the information displayed depends on the permissions granted by the owner of the EORI number and the applicable data protection regulations.
Is EORI verification mandatory before customs clearance?
Verifying an EORI number is not a formal requirement before every transaction. However, in many situations it is considered good practice. It confirms that the number is active and properly registered in the EU system.
If a business provides an incorrect or inactive EORI number, problems may arise during customs clearance. As a result, the goods may be held until the discrepancy has been clarified, leading to additional costs and delays throughout the logistics process.
EORI verification is particularly recommended before starting cooperation with a new business partner, before the first import or export transaction, and whenever company details have changed. This makes it possible to identify any issues quickly and avoid unnecessary complications.
Pro tip
If you work with multiple international business partners, it is advisable to verify their EORI numbers before signing a contract or shipping the first batch of goods. It is a simple step that can save a significant amount of time.
How does the EORI search tool work?
The EORI search tool allows you to verify whether a given EORI number has been registered in the European Union’s economic operator identification system. It is free to use and does not require creating an account.
The process is very straightforward. Simply enter the EORI number into the appropriate field and start the search. Within a few moments, the system will display information about the status of the number.
The search results typically provide information about:
whether the number is active,
whether its format is valid,
the country of registration,
the availability of public information.
The EORI search tool uses data from the official European Union system, making it the most reliable source of information regarding the status of an EORI number.
EORI check and EORI verification – do they mean the same thing?
EORI check and EORI verification refer to exactly the same process—confirming that an EORI number is valid and active. The only difference lies in the terminology used.
When searching online, users enter both English and Polish phrases, including:
EORI check,
EORI verification,
EORI number verification,
verifying an EORI number,
EORI validation.
Regardless of the wording used, the objective is always the same: to verify that the number has been properly registered and can be used for customs clearance procedures.
How can you check an EORI number using a Tax Identification Number (NIP)?
This is one of the most common questions asked by businesses entering international trade.
It is important to know that the official European Commission system does not function as a search tool that allows users to retrieve an EORI number based on a company’s Tax Identification Number (NIP). Its purpose is primarily to verify an existing EORI number. The official EU EORI database does not allow users to enter a NIP and automatically retrieve the corresponding EORI number.
If a business cannot remember its EORI number, the best solution is to:
check the information in its PUESC account,
locate the official decision assigning the EORI number,
contact the customs administration,
verify the information with the customs agency handling its customs procedures.
This is a much more reliable solution than using unofficial databases available on the internet.
When does an EORI number become invalid?
An EORI number is issued for an unlimited period and does not require periodic renewal. However, this does not mean that businesses have no obligations after obtaining it.
If the company’s details, legal form, or any other information relevant to the registration changes, the information must be updated in the appropriate system. This ensures that the customs administration has access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Failure to update company information may result in problems during future customs declarations, particularly if the information contained in customs documents differs from the data stored in the EORI register.
Frequently asked questions about EORI numbers
Is an EORI number mandatory?
Yes, if a business carries out customs operations involving the import or export of goods to or from countries outside the European Union. Without an EORI number, many customs procedures cannot be completed.
Can an individual obtain an EORI number?
Yes. In certain situations, private individuals may also obtain an EORI number if they carry out activities that require identification by customs authorities.
Is an EORI number the same as a Tax Identification Number (NIP)?
No. A Tax Identification Number (NIP) is used for tax identification purposes, whereas an EORI number is used by customs authorities to identify economic operators involved in international trade.
How much does it cost to obtain an EORI number?
An EORI number is issued free of charge. Businesses do not pay any fee for registering in the system.
Is an EORI number valid throughout the European Union?
Yes. An EORI number issued in one EU Member State is recognized by the customs authorities of all European Union countries. As a result, businesses do not need to apply for a new EORI number when conducting customs operations in other EU Member States.