Who needs an EORI number
Here are the steps in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, then how to check the number once you have it.
An EORI number is required for any customs operation: importing or exporting goods outside the European Union, including with the United Kingdom and Switzerland. It is also used when a forwarder or a carrier files the customs declaration for you: they give your number.
A company gets a single EORI number, valid across the whole Union, from the customs of its country of establishment.
The steps in each country
In all four countries, the application is free. The table sums up where to apply and the shape of the number:
| Country | Where and how | Shape of the number |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Online on the Zoll-Portal, mandatory since 1 October 2026, with an ELSTER account | DE + up to 15 characters |
| Netherlands | Built yourself (NL + RSIN) if the company declares only in the Netherlands, otherwise the Dutch customs form | NL + 9 digits |
| France | Online on douane.gouv.fr (SOPRANO EORI), active 24 hours after it is issued | FR + SIREN |
| Belgium | Application to the customs administration | BE + enterprise number (10 digits) |
In France: SOPRANO EORI
You apply online on the French customs website, in the SOPRANO EORI service. The number is FR followed by the SIREN, for example FR552032534 for Danone. It is active 24 hours after it is issued. Older numbers built on a SIRET are switched off during the second half of 2026: a company that has one must move to the number with the SIREN.
Check the number you receive
Once the number is issued, check that it is registered in the European system before your first shipment: enter it in the tool at the top of this page. You can also find a French company's EORI there from its name, SIREN or SIRET. The format is explained in detail in the EORI number.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EORI number free?+
Yes. It is free in every country of the Union. You apply directly to the customs of the country of establishment.
How long does it take to get an EORI number in France?+
You apply online on douane.gouv.fr; the number becomes active 24 hours after it is issued.
Do I need one EORI number per country?+
No. A single EORI number, obtained in the country of establishment, is valid across the whole European Union.
What is the difference between an EORI and a VAT number?+
The VAT number is for the taxation of trade between EU businesses; the EORI is for customs formalities with countries outside the Union. In France, both are built on the SIREN.
Keep reading
- CUSTOMSEORI number: what it is for and how to check itThe customs identifier of companies that import or export: what it is for, the link with the SIRET and how to check it.
- VATVAT number examples in each European countryThe prefix, the length and an example for each country of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom.
- VATFrench VAT number: format and how to check itThe French, Belgian and Swiss formats, the mentions on the invoice and the check before invoicing.
Check an EORI number
Type an EORI number, or the SIREN or name of a French company.
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