The EORI system was introduced on July 1, 2009, by the EU Commission. The EORI system (Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification) is a unified centralized database of enterprises that conduct foreign economic activity in the EU. Access to it is provided to customs authorities during import, export, and transit procedures.
The EORI code consists of a 17-digit number (2 letters denoting the state, 10 numbers, and again 5 letters).
For example: UA6539812640ASDFG.
That is, this number is unique and each enterprise engaged in foreign economic activity has the opportunity to receive only one such code. It will operate throughout the EU.
EORI number in Spain
The EORI number can be assigned to both legal entities and individuals. The official website of the European Union clearly states that it does not matter whether the economic operator is a legal entity or an individual. Any person is eligible for an EORI number if her / his business requires it.
The EORI number is required for enterprises and individual entrepreneurs who export, import, transit, and other trade operations in the territory of the European Union.
In the case of transportation in the EU, the EORI number will be required to fill out the documents issued by the EU customs authorities. In some cases, obtaining EORI is also required for those who are not registered in the customs territory of the EU and are not economic operators.
For example, individuals should obtain an EORI number if such registration is required under the national law of an EU member state, or if the person is involved in transactions for which an EORI number must be available under EU customs law.
If your company has to act as an exporter or importer for customs clearance of cargo through a port or airport in Spain, you will need an EORI number, otherwise, the cargo will not be able to go through customs clearance.
If your company is not registered in Spain, but you have a tax office or have received a VAT number in Spain, you will still need an EORI number.
Who needs an EORI number in Spain?
If your company has to act as an exporter or importer for customs clearance of cargo through a port or airport in Spain, you will need an EORI number, otherwise, the cargo will not be able to go through customs clearance.
If your company is not registered in Spain, but you have a tax office or have received a VAT number in Spain, you will still need an EORI number.
EORI number for non-residents companies
Non-EU companies receive an EORI number in the EU member state where customs clearance takes place for the first time. In this case, an application for obtaining this code must be submitted in advance (before the conclusion of transactions, and contracts), since the registration and confirmation of the code in the register takes a certain time.
In general, the introduction of the EORI code has been beneficial for business entities, since it is possible to check information about partner counterparties (whether the code is valid and to whom it belongs). And if the company, at the time of registration in the EORI system, has given consent, then you can also see the data on this counterparty (you can check the information on the official website of the EU: www.ec.europa.eu).
Also, the existence of the EORI System greatly facilitates the work of the customs authorities, accelerating the process of identifying enterprises, as well as interaction with the business entities themselves.
How can you get EORI for a company?
In Spanish companies (NIF ES “A” and “B”) VAT, NIF (TIBA EORI example: ESA08536583) will be the same as its EORI number. The Spanish administration has automatically registered 90% of Spanish companies in the EORI database and is automatically assigned at the time of shipment to legal entities that are S.A. or S.L.
Deadline for obtaining an EORI number
The term for obtaining an EORI number varies from country to country but varies on average from 3 to 10 days. In some EU countries, the procedure for obtaining an EORI number is simple and takes less time (Finland, Poland, Latvia, etc.) compared to other EU countries like Spain.
