EORI Registered in One EU State but Used Throughout EU Countries

Description

The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) system is a European Union requirement for businesses, and sometimes individuals, engaged in importing or exporting goods into or out of the EU. It plays several key roles in the administration of trade activities:

Identification of Economic Operators: The EORI number uniquely identifies traders and businesses within the entire EU, ensuring that each entity is recognized by customs authorities in any member state.

Customs Declarations: It is used when making customs declarations for goods entering or leaving the EU. The EORI number must be quoted on all customs declarations, which allows for the tracking and recording of shipments and compliance history.

Simplification and Speed: By providing a common identification number that is recognized across the EU, the EORI system streamlines communication between businesses and customs authorities, aiding in the faster processing of customs documents and procedures.

Security and Safety: The EORI system helps enforce security and safety measures by ensuring that all goods entering or exiting the EU are associated with an entity that is registered and identifiable.

Data Collection: EORI numbers facilitate the collection of statistics on trade flows, which can be used for economic analysis and policy-making decisions.

Customs Controls and Compliance: It assists customs in performing risk analysis and assessments for customs controls, ensuring that goods that are subject to various regulations (such as those requiring licenses or subject to anti-dumping duties) are properly monitored.

Access to Customs Simplifications: Companies with an EORI number can apply for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, which offers benefits such as reduced data requirements for customs declarations and fewer physical and document-based controls.

Implications for Non-compliance: Entities without a valid EORI number may face significant disruptions in their trading operations, including delays in customs clearance, potential fines, and other legal ramifications. It’s a critical component for ensuring legality and efficiency in international trade within the EU.

Post-Brexit, the EORI system has also been adopted by the United Kingdom, which now requires a UK-specific EORI number for businesses involved in the import or export of goods to or from the UK.