Trade between the UK and Southeast Asia is surging at an unprecedented rate. Recent data shows total trade with Singapore reached £25.6 billion in the first half of 2025 alone. With the UK now a full member of the CPTPP as of December 2024, exporters have massive new opportunities in markets like Vietnam and Malaysia. However, accessing these fast-growing regions requires precise documentation to avoid costly border delays. This article seeks to explain what is an EORI number. Understanding this requirement is key to ensuring your goods move seamlessly through these evolving customs checkpoints.
Definition
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. An EORI number is a unique 12-digit code used to track trade between countries. It acts as your business’s ID card when interacting with customs authorities. Without this number, you cannot legally move goods into or out of the UK.
Who Needs It
You must have an EORI number if your business moves goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and any other country. This includes all exports to non-EU markets like Singapore, the USA, and China. It also applies to moving goods into Northern Ireland. However, the specific format differs.
You typically do not need an EORI number if:
- You are moving goods exclusively between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- The goods are for personal use and you are hand-carrying them in your luggage.
Format Breakdown
Your EORI number is permanently linked to your business entity. It typically consists of a country code followed by a unique string of digits.
- GB Number: Starts with “GB” followed by 12 digits (e.g., GB123456789000). This is mandatory for trading from England, Scotland, or Wales.
- XI Number: Starts with “XI”. You need this specifically if you move goods into or out of Northern Ireland.
Most VAT-registered businesses will find their EORI number is simply “GB” followed by their nine-digit VAT number and “000” at the end. This helps to link tax and customs profiles efficiently.
Application Process
Getting an EORI number is a straightforward digital process. You apply directly through the GOV.UK portal, and the service is entirely free of charge. Applications are often processed immediately, meaning you could receive your number within minutes. However, complex cases may take up to five working days to review. You should apply well before your cargo is scheduled to depart to prevent last-minute panic.
Global Implications
While the EORI system is a UK and EU concept, its impact is global. When you export to Singapore, Thailand, or the Philippines, your UK EORI number identifies you as the exporter of record. However, it does not cover the import side of the transaction. The receiving party likely need their own local registration number to clear the goods. For instance, Singaporean importers need a UEN (Unique Entity Number) and a customs account to receive your cargo.
Common Mistakes
Traders often confuse their EORI number with their VAT number. While they look similar, they serve completely different functions. You cannot use a VAT number on a customs declaration; the system will simply reject it. Another frequent error involves using a “GB” number for Northern Ireland trade, which results in immediate clearance failure. Finally, businesses often forget to share this number with their freight forwarder until the goods are already stuck at the port.
The financial fallout of these errors in 2025 is significant:
- Port Charges: Delays can trigger detention and demurrage fees averaging over £150 per day, per container.
- Lost VAT: Incorrect EORI usage prevents the generation of C79 certificates, meaning you cannot reclaim your 20% import VAT.
You must also ensure your EORI details match your shipping invoice exactly. A mismatch between your registered business name and the paperwork will halt customs clearance.
Professional Support
Possessing an EORI number is only the first step in the logistics chain. You must still accurately classify your goods, calculate duties, and manage safety declarations. This is where professional freight forwarders like SL Global Logistics adds value. Our in-house customs team manages the entire declaration process, ensuring your paperwork matches your physical cargo. We prevent the administrative errors that lead to long delays and storage fees.
Conclusion
Obtaining an EORI number acts as the gateway to global markets. It legitimizes your business in the eyes of customs authorities. However, a valid registration number does not move cargo by itself. Real logistics requires precise planning, documentation, and reliable transport partners.
SL Global Logistics simplify these complex physical movements for exporters every day. Speak directly to our team for clear, practical shipping advice. We are one of the UK’s most reliable international freight forwarders, offering door-to-door solutions with a focus on customer satisfaction. Whether it’s import, export, or global shipping, our experience working with a wide range of clients ensures your goods arrive in perfect condition. Contact us today for a quote and let us manage your international shipping adventure with expertise and care.