EORI Number – Your Passport in International Trade. How to Obtain It and Why It’s Essential?
Introduction
Key Benefit: The EORI number is a unique identifier in the EU customs system. Without it, you cannot clear goods, which can lead to costly delays at the port or border. Obtaining it is free, but requires completing formalities before planned transport.
How It Works?
EORI (Eng. Economic Operators Registration and Identification) serves to identify economic operators during interactions with customs authorities throughout the European Union. Each company registered in Poland receives a number consisting of the prefix PL, the NIP number, and a sequence of five zeros (or the suffix 00000). This data is entered into a pan-European database of economic operators.
WHY DO YOU NEED EORI?
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Import and Export – the number is required for every customs clearance of goods from third countries (e.g., China, USA, United Kingdom). - ✔
Identification in the EU – once an EORI number is assigned in Poland, it is recognized by customs authorities in all member states. - ✔
PUESC System – registration takes place electronically via the PUESC platform, which requires having a trusted profile or a qualified electronic signature.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, the process takes from a few hours to several business days. However, it is advisable to submit the application at least 2 weeks before the planned import to avoid issues during periods of increased activity in offices.
No, if you import goods for personal use (occasionally), an EORI number is not required. It is only essential for entities conducting business activities.
No, the number is assigned indefinitely. However, it must be updated in the PUESC system if company data changes (e.g., address or name).