The Economic Operators' Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a mandatory customs identifier for every company or self-employed person moving goods across the EU's external borders. Without an EORI number, customs will not clear any commercial shipment.

When a business needs an EORI number

Every business that imports goods from outside the EU (for example from China, the United Kingdom or the USA) or exports goods outside the EU customs territory needs an EORI number. It is required even for one-off commercial shipments of raw materials, equipment or product samples.

Who issues the number and what it costs

In Germany, EORI numbers are issued by the Central Customs Authority in Dresden (Generalzolldirektion – Dienstort Dresden). The number is issued free of charge to all businesses based in Germany.

How to apply: the customs portal

You apply electronically through the customs portal for citizens and businesses (Bürger- und Geschäftskundenportal) using the company's ELSTER certificate. The portal is the standard and mandatory route; paper form 0870 is only a fallback, for example if the portal is unavailable for a long period.

Processing times and use in customs declarations

An electronic application is usually processed within three to ten working days. Once entered in the EU-wide database, the number is valid in all EU customs systems (in Germany, ATLAS) and is given in customs declarations and shipping documents.

What to check

  • Have your trade registration (Gewerbeschein) or commercial register extract ready before applying for the EORI number.
  • Set up company access to the customs portal with your ELSTER certificate.
  • Check that the company address on the customs application matches your tax documents.
  • Pass the number on to your customs broker or freight forwarder before the goods are shipped.

Example situation

A trading company orders a batch of accessories from Asia and applies for its EORI number through the customs portal two weeks before shipment, so the container is released at the port of Hamburg without delay.

Next step

Apply for your EORI number at the same time as opening your bank account so that customs formalities do not hold up your first delivery.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.