Trading with the EU post-Brexit means businesses and traders have to comply with a series of new regulations, including the use of EORI.
The EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification number) is an operator identification that operates throughout the European Union.
Post-Brexit, non-VAT-registered businesses need an EORI number to trade with EU customers and suppliers.
Businesses must have an EORI number to move goods between Great Britain and other countries. It is a mandatory part of a customs declaration.
What is affected by EORI?
Any business that is VAT-registered is automatically allocated an EORI number allowing it to trade with customers and suppliers in EU member states following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Businesses offering services to customers in the EU and not goods, do not need an EORI number. It only affects the physical movement of goods over the border.
For those businesses not registered for VAT, they will need to apply for the EORI that will allow them to be identified by customs authorities.
Under the EU-UK free trade agreement, tariffs will not be charged where a business can demonstrate that goods meet these rules and are predominantly of UK origin.
Making a customs declaration
Then the business must decide if it or its agent will complete customs declarations.
Depending on their business and how they trade with the EU post-Brexit, businesses may have multiple numbers. GB Businesses need a GB EORI number to move goods between Great Britain and the EU.
If the business uses a post or parcel company, they may tell the business if it needs an EORI number, but it is best to check. If you already have an EORI number and it does not start with GB you will need to apply for a new one.
Free service available
Within an EU country, if a business makes declarations or gets customs decisions, it will need to get an EU EORI number in the EU country where it is submitted.
When moving goods in or out of Northern Ireland the Trader Support Service will guide businesses through any changes due to the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
This free-to-use service is available to businesses of any size moving goods into Northern Ireland, providing guidance, training, a digital declaration support service and support from customs experts.
For help and advice on trading with the EU, give us a call today.