The EORI number, what is it?

How to use the EORI number?

What is the EORI number for?

Do you want to export goods as a company from Switzerland to the European Union? Without the EORI number, there is a good chance that your parcel will be temporarily blocked at customs, and may even be returned to the sender if you are unable to provide the so-called EORI number. To avoid a delay in delivery, we advise you to ask the recipient of your package for his EORI number and to indicate it on the proforma invoice that you will enclose with the shipment. But what is the purpose of the EORI number and how do I get it?

What is the EORI number?

EORI is a number that identifies each economic player having relations with the customs authorities and therefore a cross-border economic activity. It is a complement to the company’s VAT number. The EORI number is allocated once by the authorities of the Member State in which your contracting party has its registered office. Obviously, in order to be allocated an EORI number, it must apply for one. If your recipient does not have an EORI number, they can apply for one by clicking here.

What is the EORI number?
Contractual partner in the sense of EORI

Your recipient’s EORI number must be indicated on the proforma invoice that is enclosed with your shipment. When booking on expedismart.ch the proforma invoice is generated automatically. During the booking procedure you will be asked for the recipient’s EORI number. Your contractual partner is the recipient of your package in the EU. The EORI number is used to identify the contracting parties and to track the flow of goods within the European Union. It is also used by the customs authorities at the time of taxation.

When do I need an EORI number?

The EORI number is needed by companies and self-employed persons acting as economic operators with the European customs authorities. Consignments of goods to companies or persons who do not meet the criteria of economic operators are exempt from this requirement. If the EORI number is missing or incomplete, the consignment will be blocked until the number has been transmitted. If the EORI number cannot be communicated to the customs authorities in time, the consignment will be returned to the sender with the return costs. We therefore recommend that you check the validity of your EORI number in advance and ensure that the recipient company already has an EORI number. Click here to check the validity of your EORI number.

Do I need an EORI number when sending a shipment to an individual?

When sending a shipment to a private individual, your recipient must provide you with their ID card number so that you can put it on your proforma invoice.

For more information, please contact Expedismart directly.