EORI number - What is it and how to get it? Complete guide
Date of publication: April 23, 2025 |. Author: Slawa Trans Team
Are you running a company involved in international trade or planning to start importing goods from outside the EU? If so, you have certainly encountered the term "EORI number." What exactly is this mysterious string of characters and why is it so important for any business operating in the international market? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about the EORI number, the process of obtaining it, and its importance in the context of the transportation and logistics.
What is an EORI number?
EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique identification number assigned to businesses and individuals who engage in goods trading with countries outside the European Union. The EORI number is required for customs transactions throughout the European Union.
The EORI system was introduced as a Community system for registering and identifying traders trading goods with third countries. Its main purpose is to streamline customs procedures and provide greater transparency in international trade.
What does an EORI number look like?
The structure of the EORI number is standardized throughout the EU. In Poland, the EORI number for entrepreneurs is created based on the NIP number preceded by the country code "PL." For third-country entities, it consists of letters specifying the country and a string of 14 digits.
For example, a Polish EORI number might look like the following: PL1234567890
Each entrepreneur can have only one EORI number valid throughout the European Union, regardless of the number of business activities or TIN numbers held.
Why is an EORI number necessary?
Having an EORI number is mandatory for all traders trading with countries outside the EU. Without this number, no customs operation such as:
- Import of goods from third countries
- Exporting goods outside the European Union
- Transit of goods across the EU
- Submission of declarations and customs declarations
- Use of customs facilities
The EORI number is an identifier used in all transactions and communications with customs authorities within the European Union. It is part of the EU Customs Code and is required in accordance with a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council.
How do you get an EORI number?
The process of assigning an EORI number in Poland is relatively simple, but requires a few formalities. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an EORI number:
1. selection of the appropriate authority
In Poland, an application for an EORI number should be submitted to the Tax Administration Chamber in Poznań. It is the only institution in the country authorized to assign EORI numbers to Polish entrepreneurs.
2. registration on the PUESC platform
The first step to obtaining an EORI number is to register on the Platform Services Tax and Customs Electronic System (PUESC). PUESC is an electronic system that enables communication with customs and tax administration in Poland.
To create an account on PUESC:
- Visit puesc.gov.pl
- Click "Register."
- Fill out the registration form with your information
- Confirm your registration with a trusted profile or qualified signature
After creating an account on the PUESC platform, you can proceed with the procedure of applying for an EORI number.
3. submission of an application for an EORI number
After logging into your PUESC account, you should:
- Select the "Forms" tab
- Find the form "Application for registration in the EORI system" (E-CLIENT)
- Fill in all the required fields with company data or personal information in the case of an individual
- Attach the required documents (if needed)
- Sign the application electronically using a trusted profile or qualified signature
- Send an application through the PUESC platform
4 Verification of the application and assignment of the number
After submitting the application, the Tax Administration Chamber in Poznań verifies the information provided. In case of positive verification, the assigned EORI number will be sent to the e-mail address provided in the form and will be visible on the PUESC account.
The entire process of assigning an EORI number can take anywhere from a few hours to several business days, depending on the load on the system and the completeness of the application submitted.
Important information regarding EORI number
EORI number is free of charge
It is worth noting that assigning an EORI number is free of charge. The entrepreneur does not incur any costs associated with registration in the EORI system.
One entrepreneur - one EORI number
According to the European Commission's regulations, a single operator can have only one EORI number, valid throughout the European Union. This means that if you operate in several EU countries, you will use the same EORI number for all customs transactions.
Validity of EORI number
As a rule, an EORI number is assigned indefinitely. However, if the data on which the number was based changes (e.g., change of company name, business address, TIN number), an application for updating the data in the EORI system must be submitted.
How to check your EORI number?
If you are not sure if you already have an EORI number or want to check your number, there are several ways to do so:
- Log in to your account on the PUESC platform and check the "My Data" tab
- Contact the Chamber of Tax Administration in Poznań
- Use the EU EORI database available on the European Commission website
EORI number vs. other identification numbers
Entrepreneurs often confuse the EORI number with other identification numbers, such as the TIN or VAT number. It is worth noting that although the EORI number in Poland is created on the basis of the NIP number, these are two different identifiers with different uses:
- Tax ID number (Tax Identification Number) is used to identify taxpayers in the national tax system
- VAT number is used in intra-community transactions (between EU countries)
- EORI number is indispensable for transactions with non-EU countries and dealings with customs authorities
Who should apply for an EORI number?
The EORI number is applied for by a person authorized to represent the business entity. This may be:
- Business owner
- Board member
- Proxy
- Attorney (with appropriate power of attorney)
In the case of a non-business individual, the EORI number can be applied for personally by the interested party.
What documents are needed to obtain an EORI number?
To apply for an EORI number, a company's basic registration information is usually sufficient:
- Tax ID number
- Name and address of the entrepreneur
- Contact information
- Information on legal form
In some cases, additional documents may be required, such as a power of attorney, if the application is submitted by a person other than the authorized representative.
EORI number vs. specialized international transportation
For transport companies such as Slawa Trans, knowledge of customs regulations and having an EORI number is crucial to your daily operations. As an entrepreneur dealing with international transport, you must have an EORI number in order to:
- Realize freight from outside the European Union
- Submit customs declarations on behalf of clients (if you provide such services)
- Take advantage of customs simplifications
- Cooperate effectively with customs authorities
W Slawa Trans We perfectly understand the importance of the EORI number and other formal requirements in international transportation. Our experience allows us to efficiently carry out all customs procedures, providing customers with a seamless transportation service.
Frequently asked questions about EORI number
Do I need an EORI number for intra-EU transport?
No, an EORI number is only required for transactions with countries outside the EU. For intra-Community transport (between EU countries), an EORI number is not needed.
What if I don't have an EORI number before my first customs operation?
Ideally, you should apply for an EORI number in advance, before your first scheduled customs operation. However, if you don't have time to obtain an EORI number, you can apply on an expedited basis, indicating in your application that you need it urgently.
As an individual, do I also need an EORI number?
Yes, if you, as an individual (non-business), import or export goods from outside the EU with a value above certain thresholds, you also need an EORI number.
Can I use an EORI number assigned in another EU country?
Yes, an EORI number assigned in any EU country is valid throughout the European Union. If you already have an EORI number assigned in another EU country, you do not need to obtain another one in Poland.
Summary
The EORI number is a key element in the trade International with countries outside the European Union. As a unique identification number, it enables traders to carry out customs operations efficiently and identify themselves when dealing with customs authorities.
The process of obtaining an EORI number in Poland is relatively simple and completely free of charge. It requires registration on the PUESC platform and submission of an appropriate application to the Tax Administration Chamber in Poznan.
At Slawa Trans, we make every effort to ensure that our customers have access to up-to-date information on the formal requirements of the international transport. If you have questions about your EORI number or other aspects of international transportation, our experts are at your service.
Do you need a professional partner in international transportation? Contact the experts at Slawa Trans and find out how we can help your business expand globally.
