Get a UK EORI number to trade goods into and out of the UK
If the UK leaves the EU with no deal you'll need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number that starts with GB to trade goods into and out of the UK.
A UK EORI number starts with GB, followed by 12 digits. It will include your VAT registration number if you’re registered for VAT.
Who needs a UK EORI number
If you do not already have a UK EORI number you’ll need one from 11pm UK time on 12 April 2019 (if the UK leaves the EU with no deal) to:
- trade goods into or out of the UK
- submit declarations using software (or to give to your agent to make these declarations on your behalf)
- apply to be authorised for customs simplifications and procedures
It could take 3 days to get a UK EORInumber, so you should apply now.
Who does not need a UK EORInumber
You do not need to apply for a UK EORI number if one of the following apply:
- you already have a UK EORI number (an EORInumber that starts with GB) because you’ve traded goods between the UK and countries outside of the EU
- you’ll only import or export goods with Ireland across the Northern Ireland and Ireland border
- you’ll only import or export services that do not involve moving physical goods
Before you apply
To apply you may need your:
- VAT number and effective date of registration - these are on your VAT registration certificate
- National Insurance number - if you’re an individual or a sole trader
- 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - find your UTR if you do not know it
- business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code - these are in the Companies House register
If your business has a parent or holding company, they must apply for you.
How to apply
It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply for a UK EORInumber.
You may need the Government Gateway user ID and password for either:
- your organisation, if you’re applying for your company or partnership
- you, if you’re applying as an individual or a sole trader
If you do not already have a user ID, you can create one when you apply.
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.
After you’ve applied
Check the status of an application you have already made.
You may get the number immediately, but it could take up to 3 working days if HMRC needs to make more checks.
If you’ve not received the email you should check your spam folder.
It can take longer than 3 days if there are high volumes of applications, so please do not contact HMRC during this time. If HMRC has any queries, we’ll contact you.
When you get your UK EORI number
It can take 48 hours before you can use your UK EORI number to make declarations using the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.
Please always use it when contacting HMRC about customs.
Contact the EORI team
You can contact the team if you have problems with getting a UK EORI number.
EORI team
Telephone: 0300 322 7067
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed bank holidays)
Find out about call charges
Contact the team using the online form
Telephone: 0300 322 7067
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed bank holidays)
Find out about call charges
Contact the team using the online form
Further information
HMRC wants to make sure that traders have access to the right authorisations ahead of 12 April so that trade can keep flowing.
Sign up for EU Exit email alerts to find out when new guidance about this is published.
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Published 4 December 2018
Last updated 8 April 2019 + show all updates
Last updated 8 April 2019 + show all updates
