The United Kingdom officially separated from the European Union on January 31st, 2020, however the rules set out in their new agreed partnership, which include rules around trade, were not in effect until January 1st, 2021, after the Brexit transition period ended on December 31st, 2020.
According to the agreement, it is now mandatory for businesses moving goods between the UK and EU to include an Economic Operator Registration Identification (EORI) number in the shipping instructions for the Consignee and First Notify Party(s) for shipments to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. EORI numbers for businesses located in Great Britain will begin with GB, and while Northern Ireland is part of the UK, businesses wishing to move goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries will need an EORI number beginning with XI. Some businesses will be required to have multiple EORI numbers because of this distinction.Â
What is an Economic Operator Registration Identification number?
An EORI number is a distinctive number used on import or export documentation that a business uses to identify themselves to customs authorities or report in customs declarations. Each UK business who will import and/or export goods to and from the UK will need their own, unique EORI number.
How do I secure an EORI number?
EORI Numbers can be obtained at www.gov.uk and are issues by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
In August of 2019, HMRC automatically issued EORI numbers to 88,700 business, in an effort to reduce delays on goods clearance after Brexit. At that time however, there were an estimated 245,000 UK business who regularly conducted trade with the EU.
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