Do You Need an EORI Number? Updated UK Import Rules for 2025

Do you need an EORI number after Brexit? What Essex (and all UK) businesses should know now

Since the UK left the EU, if your business moves goods between Great Britain and other countries — whether importing or exporting — you will need an EORI number.

Post-Brexit, UK customs uses a unique GB-based identifier for traders. That means the old EU-only approach no longer works for many UK businesses: you must obtain a GB (or where relevant XI) EORI number to deal with customs.

What is an EORI number — and who needs it?

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is the code used by customs authorities to identify businesses or individuals when goods cross borders.

You need an EORI number if you:

  • Import or export goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and other countries (including EU).

  • Are shipping goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or between Great Britain and the Channel Islands.

  • Make customs declarations — even if you are just a carrier, freight forwarder, or acting on behalf of someone else.

If you only sell services, digital goods, or non-physical products, you generally do not need an EORI number.

An infographic with a royal blue background explaining who needs an EORI number, how to get one, and why it is important. It includes icons of clipboards, a computer screen, and a phone, plus contact details for Trueman Brown.

How to obtain an EORI number

Applying for a UK EORI number is straightforward:

  • The application is done online via the official government service.

  • The form requires your business name, address, VAT number (if applicable), Unique Tax Reference (UTR), and details of your business structure (sole trader, partnership, company, etc.).

  • If HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) do not need extra verification, you often get your EORI number instantly; otherwise it may take up to 5 working days.

If your business is VAT-registered, your EORI number will typically start “GB” followed by your VAT number and a “000” suffix (e.g. GB123456789000).

If you’re based in Northern Ireland and need to trade with the EU, you may need an XI-type EORI — but you must have the GB EORI first.

What’s changed in 2025/26 — updated customs & compliance rules

  • From 31 January 2025, all goods imported from the EU into Great Britain require a safety and security declaration (also called an Entry Summary Declaration, ENS) — even if you already handle non-EU imports.

  • For these ENS filings, you’ll also need a valid EORI number (and carriers/hauliers typically need their own).

  • Import duty relief on low-value goods (currently under £135) is being phased out — the government confirmed that this exemption will disappear by March 2029, but changes may begin earlier depending on final legislation.

  • For businesses in a VAT group: only members who actually import or export goods require an EORI number. If a member leaves the group, their EORI will no longer be valid and a new one may be required.

All this means that having a valid EORI number is more important than ever — and compliance paperwork (like ENS) needs to be planned accordingly.

Why using your own EORI number is critical

  • Without a valid EORI number, customs may reject your declarations — causing delays, extra costs, or even seizure of goods.

  • Even if you use a freight forwarder or customs agent, you (or they on your behalf) must supply the correct EORI.

  • A proper EORI supports smoother customs clearance, faster import/export processing, and helps your business comply with UK trade law post-Brexit.

​How Trueman Brown Ltd can help

If you’re based in South Ockendon or elsewhere in the UK and you’re unsure whether you need an EORI number, or how to get one — Trueman Brown can assist.

We can guide you through the application, help you understand which EORI you need (GB or XI), and support you with customs declarations (including ENS where required).

For help, get in touch:

We’ll make sure your business is set up correctly for 2025/26 import-export compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need an EORI number if I only sell services or digital goods?
A: No — the EORI number is only required when you import or export physical goods across borders. For purely service- or digital-only businesses, it is not needed.

Q: Do I need to be VAT-registered to get an EORI number?
A: No — you can apply for an EORI number even if you are not VAT-registered. When you are VAT-registered, your EORI will typically use your VAT number plus suffix; otherwise HMRC will issue a unique EORI.

Q: How long does it take to receive an EORI number?
A: Usually you get it immediately; in some cases HMRC may take up to 5 working days if further checks are needed.

Q: What happens if I don’t get an EORI number but attempt to import/export goods?
A: Customs may reject your shipments, causing delays, penalties, or even seizure of goods. It is essential to have a valid EORI before conducting cross-border trade.

Q: If my business is part of a VAT group, does everyone need an EORI number?
A: Only the members of the group who are involved in importing or exporting goods need their own EORI. If a member leaves the group, their EORI number may become invalid and they’d need to re-apply.

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