WHAT IS AN EORI NUMBER?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification number known as the EORI is a customs identification number needed for dispatching goods into or from the EU.

It can be simply described as a number for tracking imports to, and exports from, the EU.

Who needs an EORI number?

As the name suggests, all economic operators established and active in the EU customs territory need one.

An Economic Operator is any physical or legal person who, in the course of his business, is involved in activities covered by Customs.

In most cases, economic operators not established in the EU need one if they are active in EU customs territory.

There are few exceptions to this rule, an economic operator not established in the EU might not need an EORI number to present:

a customs declaration for placing goods under the temporary admission procedure or a re-export declaration to discharge that procedure;
a customs declaration made under the Convention on a common transit procedure by an economic operator established in a common transit country;
a customs declaration made under the Union transit procedure by an economic operator established in Andorra or in San Marino
a customs declaration made in accordance with Articles 135 to 144 COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015.

Why might you need an EORI number?

You are required to use the EORI number as an identification number in all customs procedures when exchanging information with Customs within the EU.

So, practically, it is normally needed when you are importing from, or exporting to, a country outside the EU.

This number allows economic operators in all member states to be identified in the same manner.

More about the EORI number

The EORI number is unique in the EU territory.

However, an economic operator must apply for registration in the customs authority of the country where he or she is based. In the case of an economic operator that is not already established in the EU, the registration shall begin with the regional customs authorities where a declaration is first made.

How do I register for an EORI in Spain?

For Spanish-based economic operators, the competent authority to register and assign an EORI number is the Tax Agency: The Customs and Special Taxes Department.

The process can be done online by submitting a form or in person at any Customs office.