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EORI Number Explained: Do You Need It to Import from China?
- Verified & Reviewed · Last updated July 2026
An EORI number is usually required when importing commercial goods from China into the UK or the European Union. Customs authorities use this number to identify your business, process customs declarations, and complete customs clearance.
This guide explains what an EORI number is, who needs one, which type applies to UK and EU imports, and how to avoid customs delays when shipping goods from China by sea freight, air freight, courier, or DDP service.
EORI Number
Customs Clearance
Import from China
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Table of Contents
What Is an EORI Number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identifier assigned by customs authorities to businesses and economic operators involved in importing goods, exporting goods, transit, and other customs activities.
In simple terms, an EORI number acts as a customs ID for your business. When goods enter or leave a customs territory, customs authorities use this number to check customs declarations, track shipments, and confirm the importer’s business details.
An EORI number is commonly used for:
Import customs clearance
Export customs declarations
Customs documentation
Transit procedures
Communication with customs authorities
Customs broker and freight forwarder handling
For imports from China, the EORI number is not issued by China Customs. It is issued by the relevant authority in the destination country, such as the UK or an EU country.
Do You Need an EORI Number to Import from China?
Whether you need an EORI number depends on the purpose of your shipment and the country where the goods will clear customs. For most commercial imports from China to the UK or European Union, the answer is yes.
Commercial imports: If you import goods from China for resale, e-commerce, wholesale, manufacturing, or business use, you usually need a valid EORI number.
Small shipments: Shipment size does not remove the requirement. Even a small air freight parcel, courier shipment, or sample order may need an EORI number if it is imported for business purposes.
Personal purchases: If you are a private individual buying goods from China only for personal use, you usually do not need an EORI number.
DDP shipping: In some DDP shipments, the seller or freight forwarder may handle customs clearance under their own import structure. However, you should confirm who acts as the Importer of Record before shipping.
Which EORI Number Do You Need?
The correct EORI number depends on where your goods are imported. Different customs territories require different EORI types.
| Destination | EORI Type Needed | Common Format |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | GB EORI number | Starts with GB |
| Northern Ireland | XI EORI number may be needed | Starts with XI |
| European Union | EU EORI number | Starts with the EU country code |
GB EORI Number
If you are importing goods into England, Scotland, or Wales, you need a GB EORI number. It starts with the country code GB and is used for customs declarations in Great Britain.
EU EORI Number
If your goods enter an EU country such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, or the Netherlands, you need an EU EORI number issued by the customs authority of that country. Once issued, an EU EORI number can generally be used for customs activities across all EU member states.
Northern Ireland (XI EORI)
Businesses moving goods under the Northern Ireland customs arrangements may need an XI EORI number. Whether it is required depends on your customs activities and where the goods are being imported or exported.
EORI Number Format and VAT Number Difference
EORI numbers normally start with a two-letter country code, followed by a unique identifier. The format can vary between different countries.
EORI Number Examples
| Region | Example Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | GB123456789000 | GB prefix plus 12 digits |
| Northern Ireland | XI123456789000 | Used for certain Northern Ireland customs activities |
| Germany | DE123456789012345 | German EORI number format |
| France | FR12345678901234 | EU country code plus identifier |
| Netherlands | NL123456789 | EU country code plus business identifier |
These are only format examples. A valid EORI number must match the correct business name, company address, and customs documentation.
EORI Number vs VAT Number
An EORI number and a VAT number are different.
A VAT number is used for tax reporting, VAT returns, and domestic sales tax records. An EORI number is used for customs clearance and cross border trade.
| Item | EORI Number | VAT Number |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Customs identification | Tax reporting |
| Used for customs clearance | Yes | Not enough by itself |
| Used for customs declarations | Yes | Sometimes referenced |
| Needed for China imports | Usually yes for UK and EU business imports | Depends on tax status |
| Issued by | Customs authority | Tax authority |
Some EORI numbers may look similar to a VAT number, but they are not the same. If you are importing goods from China, your customs broker will usually ask for your EORI details, not only your VAT number.
How EORI Works During Customs Clearance
The EORI number is mainly used during destination customs clearance. Your Chinese supplier does not normally need it to produce goods or arrange export from China, but your freight forwarder or customs broker will need it before the cargo arrives.
China Import Process
A typical import process looks like this:
You confirm the supplier, product details, and shipping terms.
The freight forwarder arranges pickup in China.
Export customs declaration is completed in China.
Goods are shipped by sea, air, rail, or courier.
The shipment arrives at the destination port, airport, or terminal.
The customs broker submits the import customs declaration.
Your EORI number is used to identify the importer.
Customs checks the HS code, value, duty, VAT, and required documents.
Goods are released after customs clearance.
If the EORI number is missing, invalid, or does not match your business details, customs clearance may be delayed.
What Happens If You Import Without a Valid EORI Number?
If customs authorities require an EORI number and you do not provide one, your shipment may not clear customs smoothly.
Common problems include:
Customs declarations cannot be submitted
Shipment is held at the port, airport, or terminal
Customs broker requests urgent registration
Storage charges may apply
Final delivery is delayed
Import duty and VAT processing may be blocked
Business details need to be corrected
For air freight and express courier shipments, this can cause significant delays and reduce the advantage of fast shipping.
How to Get an EORI Number
You can apply for an EORI number through the official customs or government portal of the relevant country. In many cases, the application is free.
For Great Britain, businesses apply for a GB EORI number through the UK government system. For EU countries, the application process depends on the customs authority of the specific country.
Information Needed for EORI Registration
Before applying, prepare:
Business name
Company address
Business registration information
VAT number, if available
Contact details
Reason for importing or exporting goods
Company representative details
Processing time depends on the country. Some applications are completed quickly, while others may take a few days or longer if extra checks are required. It is better to apply before shipping goods from China.
Required Documents Besides an EORI Number
An EORI number is important, but it is only one part of customs clearance. You still need complete customs documentation.
For imports from China, common required documents include:
Bill of lading or air waybill
Product description
Customs value
Import license, if required
Product certificates, if required
Valid EORI number
Your commercial invoice and packing list should match the actual shipment. Incorrect product names, values, weights, or HS codes may cause customs inspections or delays.
EORI Number for DDP Shipping from China
DDP shipping from China is popular because it usually includes shipping, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and final delivery in one quote.
However, DDP does not always mean you can ignore EORI requirements. The key question is who acts as the Importer of Record.
Before booking DDP shipping, ask your forwarder:
Who will handle import customs clearance?
Which company name will appear on the customs declaration?
Are duties and import VAT included?
Is a valid EORI number required?
Can customs documentation be provided?
A compliant DDP service should clearly explain the customs process. If the provider cannot explain who imports the goods, the shipment may carry customs risks.
Why Choose Tonlexing for China Imports?
Importing from China is not only about booking freight. You also need the correct shipping method, customs documents, importer details, and delivery plan.
Tonlexing helps businesses ship goods from China to the UK, European Union, and other global destinations by sea freight, air freight, rail freight, express courier, DDP shipping, and door-to-door delivery.
We can help you:
Choose the right shipping method from China
Check whether your shipment needs standard customs clearance or DDP service
Review invoice and packing list details
Coordinate with suppliers in China
Work with customs brokers at destination
Estimate freight cost, duty, VAT, and destination charges
Reduce delays caused by missing importer information
If you are not sure whether you need an EORI number to import from China, Tonlexing can review your shipment details and provide a suitable shipping and customs clearance solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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