What is an EORI Number and Why Do You Need It?
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique code used by businesses and individuals when importing or exporting goods to and from the European Union (EU). It is required for customs clearance and helps ensure that your shipments move smoothly through customs processes.
Businesses based outside the EU (like South Africa) that are exporting goods to the EU.
Businesses within the EU that are importing or exporting goods.
If you are a South African merchant sending parcels to the EU, it is likely your receiver (buyer) will need an EORI number to clear the shipment through customs.
Customs Clearance: Without an EORI number, customs can hold your shipment or refuse entry into the EU.
Faster Processing: Providing the receiver's EORI number upfront helps prevent customs delays.
It usually starts with a country code (e.g., GB for the UK, DE for Germany) followed by a unique number.
Example: GB123456789000
If you are shipping to a customer in the EU, it is good practice to request their EORI number when collecting their shipping details. You can add a note at checkout or ask via email.
Example message:
"As we will be shipping your order internationally, we may require your EORI number for customs clearance. Please provide your EORI number if available. This helps ensure your parcel moves smoothly through customs and avoids delays."
Once you have your buyer's EORI number, please place it in the "Product Reference Field" as shown in the image below:
Some of the most common EU destinations where an EORI number is often needed include:
Germany
France
Netherlands
Italy
Spain
If your buyer is an individual (not a business), they might not need an EORI number. However, some EU countries still request one for high-value shipments.
If your buyer is a business and doesn't have an EORI number, they can apply for one through their local customs authority. It is usually quick and free.
Check if your buyer needs an EORI number for shipments to the EU.
Request the EORI number upfront to avoid customs delays.
Ensure the EORI number is included in your shipping documentation when booking a shipment.
Having an EORI number ready can save your customer time, prevent delivery issues, and ensure a smoother shipping experience.
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Who Needs an EORI Number?
Businesses based outside the EU (like South Africa) that are exporting goods to the EU.
Businesses within the EU that are importing or exporting goods.
If you are a South African merchant sending parcels to the EU, it is likely your receiver (buyer) will need an EORI number to clear the shipment through customs.
Why Is an EORI Number Important?
Customs Clearance: Without an EORI number, customs can hold your shipment or refuse entry into the EU.
Faster Processing: Providing the receiver's EORI number upfront helps prevent customs delays.
What Does an EORI Number Look Like?
It usually starts with a country code (e.g., GB for the UK, DE for Germany) followed by a unique number.
Example: GB123456789000
How to Collect an EORI Number from Your Buyer
If you are shipping to a customer in the EU, it is good practice to request their EORI number when collecting their shipping details. You can add a note at checkout or ask via email.
Example message:
"As we will be shipping your order internationally, we may require your EORI number for customs clearance. Please provide your EORI number if available. This helps ensure your parcel moves smoothly through customs and avoids delays."
Once you have your buyer's EORI number, please place it in the "Product Reference Field" as shown in the image below:
Common Destinations That Require an EORI Number
Some of the most common EU destinations where an EORI number is often needed include:
Germany
France
Netherlands
Italy
Spain
What If My Buyer Doesn't Have an EORI Number?
If your buyer is an individual (not a business), they might not need an EORI number. However, some EU countries still request one for high-value shipments.
If your buyer is a business and doesn't have an EORI number, they can apply for one through their local customs authority. It is usually quick and free.
Key Takeaways
Check if your buyer needs an EORI number for shipments to the EU.
Request the EORI number upfront to avoid customs delays.
Ensure the EORI number is included in your shipping documentation when booking a shipment.
Having an EORI number ready can save your customer time, prevent delivery issues, and ensure a smoother shipping experience.
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Updated on: 26/05/2025
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