- Apply free at gov.uk/eori using your Government Gateway account. There is no fee.
- Have ready: Government Gateway login, VAT number + date (if registered), UTR, company start date and SIC code, or National Insurance number if an individual.
- Most applicants get the GB EORI immediately on screen; some within about five working days.
- The number starts with GB and is 12 digits (usually your VAT number + 000).
- Once issued, give it to your forwarder and use it for declarations and Postponed VAT Accounting.
Step 1: Check you actually need an EORI
You need a GB EORI number if you move goods into or out of Great Britain, or make a customs declaration (including via a forwarder acting for you). If you only trade within the UK or sell digital services, you generally do not need one.
Also check you do not already have one: many VAT-registered businesses were issued a GB EORI automatically (their VAT number with 000 appended). See EORI number UK for how to check. If you do need one and do not have it, continue below.
Step 2: Gather what you need
Have these ready so the application takes a couple of minutes:
- Government Gateway user ID and password (you can create one during the process if needed).
- VAT number and effective date of registration, if you are VAT-registered.
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR): your company UTR for a limited company, or personal UTR if you are a sole trader.
- Business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code for a limited company.
- National Insurance number if you are applying as an individual or sole trader.
The exact fields depend on your business type, but an established VAT-registered company has everything to hand already.
Step 3: Complete the gov.uk application
- Go to gov.uk/eori and start the application for a GB EORI number.
- Sign in with Government Gateway (or create an account).
- Enter your business details: entity type, name, address, VAT number if applicable, and the references from Step 2.
- Review and submit.
There is no charge. Avoid third-party sites that offer to register an EORI for a fee, as the official route is free.
Step 4: Wait for your EORI number
Many applicants receive the GB EORI number immediately on screen. Where HMRC needs to run additional checks, it is usually issued within about five working days, sent to the contact details on the application.
The number begins with GB and has 12 digits. Save it somewhere your team and your accountant can find it, since you will need it on every customs declaration.
Step 5: Put your EORI to use
Once you have the number:
- Give it to your freight forwarder or customs agent so they can file declarations for you. Add it to your Shipper's Letter of Instruction.
- Use it to access customs schemes, including Postponed VAT Accounting and duty deferment.
- Keep it consistent: always use the same EORI for the same legal entity.
With the EORI sorted, get your commodity codes right and you have the core of a clean customs declaration. For the wider context, see the EORI pillar guide; for application edge cases, see the EORI application.