Free EORI Number Application Checklist for UK Businesses

A Free Step-by-Step Application Guide

Get your UK EORI number approved fast. Use this checklist to avoid the common mistakes that cause delays and rejections — complete your application correctly the first time.

What is an EORI Number?

An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique identifier required by HMRC for any business that imports or exports goods to/from the UK. Without a valid EORI number, your goods will be held at customs and you cannot complete import/export declarations.

Key Facts:

Mandatory for all UK import/export activities
Free to apply (beware of paid services)
Usually approved within 1-3 working days
Valid indefinitely once issued
Required before your first shipment arrives

The Complete EORI Application Checklist

Part 1: Eligibility & Timing

Before You Apply - Check These Requirements:

You have a UK business registration (Companies House number, sole trader UTR, or partnership details)
You plan to import or export goods (not just services)
You don’t already have a valid UK EORI number (check existing records first)
Your business is established in the UK or has a UK establishment
You have authority to apply on behalf of the business

Timing Considerations:

Apply at least 5 working days before your first shipment
Don’t apply too early (EORI numbers expire if unused for 3+ years)
Consider seasonal trading patterns when timing your application
Factor in potential processing delays during busy periods

Part 2: Information Gathering

Business Details You’ll Need:

Company name (exactly as registered with Companies House)
Company registration number (8-digit Companies House number)
Business address (registered office address)
Trading address (if different from registered address)
Business phone number and email
Nature of your business (SIC codes helpful)
VAT registration number (if VAT registered)

For Sole Traders:

Full legal name
Date of birth
National Insurance number or UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference)
Trading name (if different from legal name)
Business address
Personal contact details

For Partnerships:

Partnership name
Details of all partners
Partnership registration details
Nominated contact person information

Trade Activity Information:

Countries you’ll trade with (specific list)
Types of goods you’ll import/export (commodity descriptions)
Estimated annual trade value
Expected frequency of shipments
Whether you’ll use freight forwarders or customs agents

Part 3: Online Application Process

HMRC EORI Application Portal Steps:

Step 1: Access the Application

Go to GOV.UK and search “Apply for EORI number”
Click “Start now” on the official HMRC page
Choose “Apply for a new EORI number”
Select your business type (limited company/sole trader/partnership)

Step 2: Business Verification

Enter your business details exactly as they appear on official records
Verify your Companies House information matches
Double-check all spelling and formatting
Ensure address format matches HMRC expectations

Step 3: Trade Information

Select “Import goods into the UK” and/or “Export goods from the UK”
Enter date of first expected trade activity
Provide estimated annual import/export values
List main countries you’ll trade with

Step 4: Contact Preferences

Choose how HMRC should contact you (email/phone/post)
Verify your contact details are current
Set preferences for future customs communications
Nominate a contact person if applying for a company

Step 5: Review and Submit

Review every field carefully before submitting
Print or save a copy of your application details
Submit the application
Note down your application reference number

Part 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Data Entry Errors:

Don’t use abbreviations in company names
Match exactly what appears on Companies House register
Use proper postcode format (no extra spaces)
Don’t mix up registered vs trading addresses
Check VAT number format (GB + 9 digits or GB + 12 digits)

Timing Mistakes:

Don’t apply months before you need it
Don’t wait until goods are already shipped
Don’t assume weekend applications process immediately
Don’t forget about bank holidays affecting processing

Business Structure Confusion:

Don’t apply as individual if you’re a limited company
Don’t forget to include all partners in partnership applications
Don’t use personal details for company applications
Don’t mix up director and company information

Trade Activity Errors:

Don’t select services if you only trade goods
Don’t underestimate your trade volumes significantly
Don’t forget about goods moving between GB and Northern Ireland
Don’t assume all movements require EORI (some don’t)

Part 5: After Application Submission

Immediate Next Steps:

Save your application reference number safely
Set up email alerts to watch for HMRC response
Don’t submit duplicate applications
Continue with other import/export preparations

Expected Timeline:

Standard processing: 1-3 working days
Complex cases: up to 5 working days
Peak periods: potentially longer
Weekends/bank holidays: no processing

What Happens Next:

HMRC will verify your business details
You’ll receive approval email with EORI number
EORI format: GB + 12 digits (starting with your business number)
Number is active immediately upon approval
Keep approval email for your records

Part 6: If Your Application is Rejected

Common Rejection Reasons:

Business not found on Companies House register
Mismatched business details
Invalid or closed business registration
Incomplete application information
Duplicate application already exists

How to Fix Rejections:

Check the rejection email for specific reasons
Verify business registration is current
Correct any data entry errors
Wait 24 hours before reapplying
Contact HMRC if rejection reason is unclear

Appeal Process:

Check if appeal is appropriate vs new application
Gather supporting documentation
Submit appeal within specified timeframe
Consider professional customs advice for complex cases

After Getting Your EORI Number

Immediate Actions

Save your EORI number securely (you’ll use it for every declaration)
Share with customs agents/freight forwarders
Update your shipping documentation templates
Inform your suppliers (they may need it for export documentation)
Test with a small shipment before large orders

Ongoing Compliance

Use EORI on all customs declarations
Keep business details updated with HMRC
Maintain trade records for 6+ years
Renew business registrations to keep EORI valid
Report significant business changes to HMRC

Quick Reference: What You Need vs What You Don’t

✅ You NEED an EORI for:

Importing goods into the UK
Exporting goods from the UK
Moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland
Customs declarations and clearance
Temporary imports (ATA Carnets)

❌ You DON’T need EORI for:

Services only (no physical goods)
Personal purchases under £1,000
Diplomatic bags and military goods
Some specific exemptions (check HMRC guidance)

Troubleshooting Guide

Application Won’t Load?

Clear browser cache and cookies
Try a different browser
Check GOV.UK service status page
Try during off-peak hours

Can’t Find Your Business?

Verify Companies House registration is active
Check exact spelling of company name
Ensure business type selection matches registration
Contact Companies House if registration issues exist

Forgot Your Application Reference?

Check confirmation emails
Look for HMRC correspondence
Contact HMRC customer service with business details
Avoid submitting duplicate applications

Pro Tips for Faster Processing

Apply Tuesday-Thursday for fastest processing
Double-check everything before submission
Use copy-paste for company numbers to avoid typos
Keep your Companies House info current before applying
Don’t rush — accuracy beats speed
Save screenshots of your application before submitting

Need help with customs procedures after getting your EORI? Check out our UK Customs Import Starter Kit for complete import guidance.

Struggling with complex import scenarios? Our premium UK Import Compliance Toolkit covers advanced topics and edge cases.