EORI number – everything you need to know

In times of continuously growing international trade, every company operating in cross-border business must meet specific legal requirements. One of them is the EORI number, a mandatory identifier that forms the basis for conducting import and export activities within the European Union. If your company plans to move goods across the EU border, obtaining an EORI number is the first step you must take.

What is an EORI number?

The EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification) is a unique identification code assigned to businesses and—in exceptional cases—to individuals involved in customs operations within the EU. It enables customs authorities to identify an entity in the e-Customs system.

The number is valid throughout the European Union and required for every customs operation related to international trade. Without an EORI number, customs clearance cannot be completed, resulting in goods being held at the border.

What does an EORI number look like?

In Poland, the EORI number follows a specific format: PL + VAT number (NIP) + five zeros.
For example, if your company’s NIP is 1234567890, your EORI number will be: PL123456789000000.

The structure is standardised across the EU—each country uses its own prefix (e.g., DE for Germany, FR for France), followed by the national identification number.

Why is the EORI code so important?

The EORI code is a formal requirement for participation in international trade within the European Union. Without it, a company cannot legally complete customs declarations—neither for imports nor exports.

Lack of an EORI number may lead to goods being stopped at the border, administrative penalties, costly delays in contract fulfilment and loss of confidence among international partners. In practice, the EORI number acts as a company’s “customs passport,” enabling customs offices to identify and process an entity efficiently, ensuring smooth operations, transaction security and compliance with EU regulations.

Who must have an EORI number?

The requirement applies to anyone who:
• submits customs declarations in an EU Member State
• imports or exports goods to/from non-EU countries
• acts as a carrier, freight forwarder or customs agency
• receives goods imported from third countries

An exception applies to private individuals who occasionally (up to 10 times a year) complete customs procedures for personal use—they do not need an EORI number.

How to obtain an EORI number?

Option 1: Apply for an EORI number yourself

The process consists of several steps:

1. Create an account on PUESC – the Electronic Tax and Customs Services Platform.

2. Submit a request for the SISC identifier – required for system access.

3. Complete the company registration form in the customs system – choose form WRP0001.

4. Select the “customs” scope and sign the application with a qualified electronic signature or trusted profile.

5. Wait for confirmation – within a few days, you will receive your EORI number.

Option 2: Use professional support

Many companies offer comprehensive assistance in obtaining the EORI number. You only need to provide authorisation and basic data. This service is paid but convenient—no need to access the PUESC platform or know the procedures.

EORI verification – how to check if you already have it?

Many companies already have an EORI number without realising it, especially if they previously handled customs formalities.

You can verify it by using:
• the official European Commission EORI checker
• commercial applications that verify EORI based on the VAT (NIP) number

The verification is free and takes only a moment. Simply enter your company’s VAT number to check whether an active EORI number exists. This helps avoid unnecessary applications and speeds up customs preparations.

EORI number vs. other identification numbers

For new businesses, the system of identifiers can be confusing. Here’s a quick comparison:
• EORI number – required for extra-EU imports and exports
• NIP number – Polish tax identification number
• EU VAT number – used for intra-EU VAT settlements
• CN code – classification of goods in the customs tariff
• Excise number – required for trade in excise-duty goods (alcohol, tobacco, fuels)

Each of these identifiers has a different function and may be required depending on the type of activity.

Summary

The EORI number is a fundamental requirement for lawful and efficient participation in international trade within the European Union. It is worth obtaining or verifying it early to avoid delays during customs clearance and ensure continuity of your company’s global operations.