Articles on: VAT / Duties / Customs

What Is an EORI Number and Why It Matters for South African Exporters

If you’re shipping goods from South Africa to the European Union (EU) or the UK, you’ve probably heard of something called an EORI number. But what exactly is it, and why should you care?

Let’s unpack what it means, who needs one, and how it can help you avoid those dreaded customs delays.

🧾 What Is an EORI Number?

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique ID that customs authorities in the EU and the UK use to track shipments. Think of it as a business registration number specifically for international trade with the EU and the UK.

Why it matters:

It’s mandatory for most imports and exports to/from the EU and the UK.

Without it, your parcel might get held up, or worse, refused entry.

🚚 Who Needs an EORI Number?

Whether you’re a business owner in Joburg or running an online store from Cape Town, you might need your receiver to have an EORI number when shipping to Europe.
Here’s who typically needs one:

EU-Based:

Businesses inside the EU that import or export goods.

Individuals acting in a business capacity (e.g., reselling goods online).

Non-EU-Based (That’s you!):

South African businesses shipping to the EU: The buyer (your customer) usually needs to provide their EORI number.

If the buyer is an individual (not a business) and the parcel is for personal use, an EORI number may not be required, but duties and VAT still apply.

📌 Pro tip: Some EU customs offices might ask for a declaration letter confirming that your client is an individual if they’re not using an EORI number.

⚙️ What Does an EORI Number Look Like?

EORI numbers usually start with a country code followed by a unique ID.

Example:

UK: GB123456789000

Germany: DE123456789

Two Types You Should Know:

GB EORI – For UK trade with non-EU countries (especially important post-Brexit).

EU EORI – Used for trade inside and across the EU.

📥 How to Collect an EORI Number from Your Buyer

Make it part of your shipping process to ask for this number upfront.

Suggested message for your checkout or confirmation email:

“As we’ll be shipping your order internationally, we may require your EORI number for customs clearance. Please provide it if available, this helps ensure smooth delivery and avoids delays.”

Once received, add it to the Product Reference Field when booking your shipment with TUNL.

🌍 Common Destinations That Often Require an EORI Number

Here are a few EU countries where your buyer’s EORI number is regularly needed:

UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain

✅ How to Check If a Buyer Needs an EORI Number

If the buyer is a private individual:

May not need one, but customs duties still apply.

A supporting letter might be required to confirm the non-business nature of the shipment.

If the buyer is a business:

They definitely need one to avoid delays at EU customs.

🔍 Tools to Check or Apply for an EORI Number

UK Buyers:

Check if they already have one

Apply online

EU Buyers:

EU EORI Validator

Country-specific applications:

Germany: www.zoll.de

Netherlands: www.belastingdienst.nl

😬 What If My Buyer Doesn’t Have an EORI Number?

If your EU buyer is a business and doesn’t have an EORI number, they can apply through their country’s customs authority, it’s usually quick and free.
If they’re an individual, and the parcel is for personal use, no number is typically needed, but make sure your documentation reflects that.

Eg. In the address to section enter your consignee name, then in brackets, “individual”. Saarah Ship (Individual)

✨ Key Takeaways

Request the buyer’s EORI number upfront if you’re shipping to the EU and UK.

Not all receivers need one, but when they do, delays happen without it.

Include the number in your TUNL shipment booking to avoid hold-ups.

It’s a small step that saves your buyer big headaches.

Subtle Shipping Win: Making customs smoother is just one part of scaling your global shipping game. TUNL simplifies cross-border shipping for South African businesses, from documentation to delivery.

🦸‍♀️ Have more questions? We're here to help!

WhatsApp us or email support@tunl.to for more information.

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Updated on: 30/06/2025

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