Every organization that imports or exports goods within or outside the EU needs an EORI number. This Economic Operators Registration and Identification number identifies companies with Customs and is used in all customs procedures.
It may seem like a formality, but an error in the EORI number can have major financial consequences. Especially for the customs representative.

What is an EORI Number?

An EORI number is a unique identification number that companies use in their communication with Customs. Without this number, you cannot file customs declarations or process shipments.
Companies apply for the EORI number with Customs, where they can choose whether their details become visible in the European Commission’s public register.

The Risk of an Incorrect EORI

That’s exactly where the danger lies. If a company does NOT give permission for public listing, you can see online that an EORI is valid, but not who it belongs to.
This means that a customer can be registered with the wrong EORI number, with all the consequences that entails.

If you as a customs representative accidentally use the EORI of a different entity than the party you are authorized to represent, then your declaration represents the wrong company. In that case, the validity of the authorization lapses and you as the representative can be held liable as debtor.

The Amsterdam Court of Appeal recently confirmed this again: when determining who counts as the declarant, the EORI number used is decisive, not the name or address in the declaration.
Read the ruling here.

What should You as an Organization Pay Attention to?

Always carefully verify that the EORI number actually belongs to your customer. Ask for supporting documents such as:

• a recent Chamber of Commerce extract;
• an EORI registration certificate;
• or other documentation that clearly shows the link between the number and the legal entity.

Additionally, it’s important to stay alert with foreign customers. Some corporations have EU subsidiaries with an EORI, while the parent company is located outside the EU. In that case, a company may wrongly be listed as directly represented – something that is not permitted and can lead to joint liability.

Prevention is Better than Correction

A simple check of your customer’s EORI number and registered address prevents major risks.
Make sure you check this information periodically, document the supporting evidence in your customer file, and be extra alert with new relationships.

At Van der Helm, we help our customers daily to reduce risks in the international supply chain. Our customs experts advise and guide on correct registration, documentation, and compliance with European regulations.

Would you like to know how we can support your organization with EORI verification and customs processes?
Contact our specialists.