EORI

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is the unique identifier customs authorities assign to a trader for all customs activity within a customs territory. In the EU it is mandatory for any economic operator lodging a customs declaration or an entry or exit summary declaration, and the same number is recognized across all member states. The number is built on the issuing country code plus a national identifier, often derived from the VAT registration. The UK runs its own EORI scheme after Brexit, with GB and XI prefixes. Without a valid EORI a business cannot clear goods through customs.