- Apply free at gov.uk/eori via Government Gateway; what HMRC asks for depends on your business type.
- Company: company UTR, registration number, start date, SIC code. Sole trader: personal UTR + National Insurance number.
- VAT-registered? Supply your VAT number and date; your EORI is usually that number + 000.
- Most applications clear instantly; some take up to five working days for checks.
- Delays usually come from mismatched details, a too-new business, or a duplicate where you already had a GB EORI.
What HMRC asks for, by business type
The EORI application at gov.uk/eori adapts to your business type. The core requirements:
| Business type | Typically asked for |
|---|---|
| Limited company | Company UTR, Companies House registration number, business start date, SIC code, plus VAT details if registered |
| Sole trader | Personal UTR, National Insurance number, business start date, plus VAT details if registered |
| Partnership | Partnership UTR and partner details, plus VAT details if registered |
| VAT-registered (any of the above) | VAT number and effective date of registration; the GB EORI is then usually the VAT number with 000 appended |
Everyone signs in with a Government Gateway account. For the field-by-field list of what to prepare, see how to get an EORI number.
Non-UK-established businesses
You do not have to be established in the UK to hold a GB EORI. A non-UK business that needs to import into or export from Great Britain (for example, to be importer of record into a UK warehouse or Amazon FBA UK) can apply for a GB EORI too.
Non-established applicants are asked for equivalent identifying information for their overseas business. Where the position is complex (for example deciding who should be importer of record, or whether UK VAT registration is also needed), it is worth taking specialist advice. GoEcom can match you with a UK ecommerce accountant who handles non-resident importer setups.
Processing times and checking your status
Outcomes fall into two buckets:
- Instant: many applications return the GB EORI number on screen at submission.
- Up to about five working days: where HMRC runs additional checks, the number follows by the contact details given.
You can confirm that a GB EORI is valid using the UK government's online EORI checker. This is useful both to verify a number you have been given and to confirm your own once issued. If you already had a GB EORI (common for VAT-registered businesses), the checker will show it as valid.
Why EORI applications get delayed (and how to avoid it)
- Details that do not match HMRC records. The name, address, UTR or VAT number on the application must match what HMRC already holds. A small mismatch (an old address, a typo in the UTR) is the most common cause of a held application. Check your details against your HMRC account first.
- A brand-new business. If your company or VAT registration is very recent and not yet fully reflected in HMRC systems, the EORI can take longer. Allow a few extra days if you have just registered.
- A duplicate application. If a GB EORI was already issued automatically (typical for VAT-registered businesses), a fresh application is unnecessary and can cause confusion. Check the EORI checker before applying.
- Incomplete information for the business type. Missing a UTR or SIC code stalls the form. Gather everything in advance (see the checklist).
Can your accountant or agent apply for you?
Yes. An accountant or agent can complete the EORI application on your behalf using the appropriate access, and many do this as part of setting up a new importer. The EORI is issued to your business, not the agent, so it stays with you.
Once the number is live, the next steps are the same: hand it to your freight forwarder, classify your goods with the right commodity code, and (if VAT-registered) account for import VAT through Postponed VAT Accounting. For the complete overview, see the EORI number pillar guide.