Tools
EORI Number Validator
Check whether an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is registered and active for customs procedures. Validate EU member state EORI numbers via the European Commission EOS system and UK EORI numbers via HMRC before submitting customs declarations or shipping goods.
What is an EORI number and who needs it?
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is an identification number unique across the European Union and the United Kingdom, assigned by customs authorities to businesses and traders involved in customs operations.
Any business or individual established in the EU or UK that imports, exports, transits goods, or files customs declarations (such as Single Administrative Documents / SAD) must have an active EORI number. Without a valid EORI number, goods cannot be cleared by customs authorities and shipments will be delayed at external borders.
How does an EORI number differ from a VAT number?
While EORI numbers and national VAT numbers frequently share similar digits, they belong to different regulatory frameworks and databases:
VIES VAT Registration
VAT Numbers (VIES): Used for intra-Community trade within the EU single market to ensure correct taxation, verify zero-rating (0% VAT), and apply the reverse charge mechanism between EU member states.
EOS / HMRC EORI Registration
EORI Numbers (EOS): Used for customs procedures and security controls when goods cross external borders into or out of the EU customs territory or the UK.
Having a valid VAT number does not automatically mean a company is registered for customs. Businesses must separately activate their EORI status with national customs before engaging in international trade.
How EORI validation works
Our online EORI validator connects directly to the European Commission Economic Operators System (EOS) and the UK HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) database. When you submit a number, it verifies real-time validity, customs registration status, and retrieves registered trader details if the operator has consented to public disclosure.
Frequently asked questions about EORI validation
What format does an EORI number follow?
An EORI number consists of a 2-letter ISO country code representing the issuing country (such as NL for the Netherlands, DE for Germany, FR for France, GB for the United Kingdom, or XI for Northern Ireland), followed by up to 15 alphanumeric characters. For example: NL853746333 or GB123456789000.
Can a company hold multiple EORI numbers in the EU?
No. Under the Union Customs Code (UCC), an economic operator can hold only one single EORI number throughout the European Union. This single EORI number is universally valid across all 27 EU member states. Businesses trading between the EU and the UK may hold one EU EORI number and one UK EORI number.
Why is a VAT number valid in VIES but invalid in the EORI database?
VIES and EORI are independent registries managed by tax and customs authorities respectively. A business can be fully registered for VAT without ever having applied for customs authorization. If the business decides to export or import goods outside the EU, it must file an EORI registration application with its local customs administration.
How can I validate EORI numbers in bulk or via an API?
If you need to validate large volumes of EORI numbers regularly or integrate automated EORI checks into your ERP, warehouse, or transport management system, email us at support@viesac.eu for bulk processing and API integration.