An EORI number identifies a business in its dealings with customs authorities. It is required for customs clearance operations such as import, export and transit within the European Union.
Who needs an EORI number? #
An economic operator established in the EU normally needs an EORI number when it performs customs operations.
A non-EU business may also need one when it lodges declarations or performs certain customs activities in the EU. Registration normally takes place with the customs authority of the country where the operator is established or, for a non-established operator, where its first EU customs operation will take place.
One business should have only one valid EU EORI number at any given time.
French EORI numbers in 2026 #
France is moving from establishment-level EORI numbers based on the 14-digit SIRET to a single company-level EORI based on the nine-digit SIREN.
The recommended French format is therefore:
FR + the company’s nine-digit SIREN
French Customs has announced the deactivation of EORI SIRET numbers during the second half of 2026. Businesses should request or verify their EORI SIREN and update the systems and partners that still hold an old establishment-level number.
Registration and changes are made through the French Customs SOPRANO EORI service. Current information is available on the French Customs EORI page.
Exporter and importer identification #
The exporter’s EU EORI does not automatically identify the importer in the destination country.
For example, an EU merchant shipping to the United Kingdom may need:
- an EU EORI for the export declaration;
- and a UK EORI for the party acting as importer in Great Britain.
Which party must provide each number depends on the contractual arrangement, the Incoterm, the carrier service and the identity of the importer of record.
Recording the EORI in AtomicSeller #
AtomicSeller can obtain the EORI number from the store or shipment information and transmit it to the carrier when the selected service requires customs declarations.
Before creating the shipment, verify that:
- the number belongs to the correct legal entity;
- its country prefix is correct;
- it is still valid;
- the exporter and importer roles have been agreed;
- and the number is not being confused with a VAT registration number.
EORI and VAT identifiers serve different purposes and may both be required.
An EU EORI can be checked through the European Commission’s EORI information and validation service.