Purpose: When filling in the commercial invoice, it is mandatory to include an EORI and VAT number. This article explains what an EORI number is and how to add your EORI and VAT numbers in the Sendcloud panel for customs purposes.
Please note that the sender is responsible for correctly filling in and providing true information on customs documents. Sendcloud takes no responsibility for the validity of such information. Always check the conditions of each carrier, as requirements may vary.
What is an EORI number?
Companies that sell products outside the EU need to have an EORI number. The EORI number is a EU registration and identification number assigned by the Member State of the country in which your company is established. It consists of a country code and a unique number and is registered in the EORI database for all customs authorities when exchanging customs information. For example, in the Netherlands the EORI number is the country code NL followed by the VAT number.
How to apply for an EORI number
If you do not have an EORI number, you can request one for free from the customs authorities of your country. The procedure for receiving an EORI number differs depending on your Member State. Below are some helpful links for applying for an EORI number based on your country:
How to add your VAT and EORI numbers in Sendcloud
You can add both your VAT and your EORI number in your sender address in the Sendcloud panel. If you have multiple companies with different VAT/EORI numbers, you can add them across multiple sender addresses.
If you add these numbers to your Sendcloud account, we will include them on any customs forms or documents we generate for you automatically where applicable.
To add your VAT and EORI number to your account, go to Settings > Addresses > Sender address and select or create the correct sender address. Add the numbers in the appropriate field, and save the address.
How to add an EORI number and a VAT number for shipping to/from the UK
Shipping from the EU to the UK
If your business is based in the European Union and you ship to the UK, you need both a EU and a GB EORI numbers, as well as your VAT number and an extra UK VAT number.
To add your GB EORI number and UK VAT number follow these instructions:
- In your Sendcloud panel, go to Settings > Addresses > Sender
- Edit the sender address which will be used to ship to the UK
- Scroll down the page until you see the Business Details section
- Under Do you ship to the UK?, enter your GB EORI number and your GB VAT number
- Click Save.
Shipping from the UK to the EU or non-EU countries
If your business is based in the UK and you ship to either the European Union or to non-European countries, you need to add your EORI and VAT numbers.
To add these numbers, follow the steps below:
- In your Sendcloud panel, go to Settings > Addresses > Sender
- Edit your sender address
- Scroll down until you see the Business Details section
- Under the section Do you ship to non-EU countries, add your EORI and your VAT numbers. Please note that these numbers are also needed if you ship to EU countries.
To learn more, read our blog entry post about FAQs for e-commerce & international shipping.
FAQ
Who needs an EORI number?
- Any economic operator established in the customs territory of the Union needs, for customs purposes, an EORI number. More information can be found in the official website of the European Commission.
- If you are based in Great Britain, you may also need EORI number when shipping to any other country (including the EU). Read more details on GOV.UK.
What are the customs procedures for import and export in Europe?
- If you are based in the European Union, please check the website of the Taxation and Customs Union (European Commission) for more information.
- For UK businesses, please check the GOV.UK website.
How do I contact customs authorities?
- If you need to contact the customs authorities of the European Union Member States, check the list of their websites.
- If you need to contact UK customs authorities, contact HMRC.
How can I check if an EORI number is valid?
- Use this search tool to check if a EU EORI number is valid
- Use this HMRC tool to check if a GB EORI number is valid