EORI Numbers for European Shipping

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification.

An EORI number is required for any business shipping to or from the European Union. It is a unique identifier used by customs authorities to track shipments going into or out of the EU. It helps customs identify the businesses involved in the shipment,process customs declarations more efficiently, and support the preparation of customs clearance documents.

An EORI number is important because it supports:


• Customs clearance:
It is required for customs declarations when importing or exporting goods into or out of the EU. Without it, customs will not process your shipment leading to delays and extra costs.
• Tracking and identification:
It helps customs authorities track and monitor shipments and ensure that businesses comply with EU shipping regulations.
• Simplified procedures:
For businesses shipping internationally on a regular basis, it helps streamline processes so they are more efficient and less time-consuming.
• Legal compliance:
Businesses trading with EU countries are legally required to have one. Without it, you could face legal penalties.

For any business importing or exporting goods commercially into or out of the European Union, an EORI number is a mandatory requirement so the goods can clear customs in the arriving or departing EU country.

Yes. If a U.S. based business sells to customers in the EU, it needs an EORI number to avoid customs delays.

No. For countries in Europe that are not in the EU (such as Switzerland, Norway, or the UK post-Brexit), you don't need an EORI number. However, these countries may have their own customs identification requirements. Always check the specific customs requirements for the destination country, as they may have different identification or declaration needs.

No. An ENORI number is especially relevant for e-commerce sellers, but it also applies more broadly to businesses shipping commercially to or from the EU. Think of it as a passport for your business. It tells EU customs who you are and what you are sending.

No, private individuals do not need an EORI number to send a package to the EU. EORI numbers are primarily required for businesses engaging in import or export activities within the European Union.

You will need to provide an EORI number when:

• Exporting or importing goods to and from the EU
• Completing customs documents for EU-bound business shipments
• Shipping commercially with DHL Express into or out of the EU

Without an EORI number, customs authorities will not process your shipments, leading to:

• Customs delays
• Additional costs
• Failed clearance
• Possible compliance issues

Yes. If you are shipping to another business in the EU, you will also need the recipient’s EORI number on the documentation.

Customs authorities require both EORI numbers in business-to-business shipments to:

• Identify both parties involved in the transaction and track the movement of goods
• Support smooth customs clearance, avoid delays and stay aligned with EU import/export rules
• Demonstrate that both businesses are registered to trade within the EU
• Help customs authorities collect and analyze trade flows between businesses accurately

Applying for an EORI number is free.

The process depends on where your business is based:

• Non-EU businesses can usually apply through an EU country’s customs office which gives you access across the entire EU, or appoint an EU-based intermediary to obtain one on your behalf
• EU-based businesses can apply through the customs or tax authority in the EU country where the business is established

You will need to provide business details such as:

• Business name
• Registered address
• Value Added Tax (VAT) number, if applicable

Once approved, your business will receive its unique EORI number, which should be used in all customs documentation. 

When shipping with DHL Express, the EORI number should be included in the customs documentation.

When you set up a DHL Express Business Account, your Account Manager will request your EORI number and add it to your shipping account automatically. It will then appear on your proforma or commercial invoice.

If you drop off parcels at a DHL ServicePoint, you can provide the EORI number to the DHL representative, who will enter it in the receiver’s Tax ID field.

If you book a courier collection online, you can add the EORI number while entering the shipment information in the receiver’s Tax ID field.

If you already have a DHL Express Business Account, your Account Manager will be able to add your EORI number to your account so it is carried into the customs paperwork consistently.

Missing or inaccurate customs data is one of the leading causes of customs delays. To help avoid delays, customs paperwork should be complete and accurate, including:

• The correct EORI number
• Complete commercial invoice information
• Accurate shipper and receiver details
• Correct goods descriptions and values

No. An EORI number supports customs clearance, but it does not replace other required documents for international shipping such as:

• Shipping/Transport labels
• Customs invoices
• Destination-specific documents
• Permits or licenses where required

Yes. When it is added to your DHL Express shipping account, the EORI number will be visible on the proforma or commercial invoice.

IOSS stands for Import One Stop Shop.

It is a program that simplifies EU VAT handling for online orders under €150. It allows a business to register in one EU country and manage VAT there instead of dealing with separate VAT processes in each EU country it sells to.

No. They are related but different.

• EORI is a customs identification number
• IOSS is a VAT simplification program for eligible low-value EU sales
• An EORI number supports customs processing. IOSS helps manage VAT for certain EU e-commerce transactions. Both can play an important role in the shipping process for businesses selling to customers in the EU.

Yes. Once your business has an EORI number, you can consider applying for IOSS. Having both in place can help support a smoother logistics process when shipping goods to customers across the EU.

There are a number of benefits to the program including:

• You can display and collect VAT at the checkout with no hidden charges for customers when the parcel arrives
• Faster transit times and quicker customs clearance
• One monthly VAT payment for all EU sales to the tax authority where you registered - instead of separate country-by-country handling

Yes. Missing or incorrect EORI data will lead to customs delays as the customs authorities will not be able to process your shipment.

Yes, to a point. DHL Express can help make sure the EORI number is included correctly in shipment workflows, especially if you have a Business Account, but you are still responsible for obtaining the EORI number and providing accurate customs information.

If your business is shipping commercially to or from the EU, an EORI number is required. It is much better to provide this before the shipment is booked than to deal with a customs delay later.