An EORI number identifies companies in the EU that carry out customs-related activities. Swedish companies normally need one when importing goods from or exporting goods to countries outside the EU.
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a common identification system used across the EU. Each company receives a unique identification number for customs-related activities. Customs authorities use the number to identify companies in connection with imports, exports and transit.
Your company should have only one EORI number, issued in one country. The same number can be used in every EU Member State, so you do not need to apply for a new one in each country where you do business. Branches also use the parent company’s number rather than applying for their own.
An EORI number does not replace a customs declaration or any other information required when sending shipments abroad.
Who needs an EORI number?
Companies and other economic operators, particularly those trading goods with countries outside the EU, need an EORI number to carry out customs activities correctly.
A company may need an EORI number when it:
is named as the consignee, exporter, declarant or representative for imports from or exports to a country outside the EU.
submits an entry or exit summary declaration.
is responsible for a transit procedure.
operates a temporary storage facility.
applies for a customs authorisation.
acts as a carrier.
Do I need an EORI number for trade within the EU?
Ordinary trade between two EU countries does not normally require customs clearance in the same way as goods crossing the EU’s external border. A Swedish company that only buys or sells goods in other EU countries therefore does not need an EORI number.
Companies outside the EU
A company established outside the EU applies for an EORI number in the EU country where it will carry out its first customs activity. A non-European company should also have only one EORI number, valid throughout the EU.
Do private individuals need an EORI number?
No. Private individuals do not need an EORI number to import or export goods for personal use. According to Swedish Customs, exceptions apply if you buy or sell fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the F-gas Regulation, or import more than 50 tonnes of goods that the EU classifies as carbon-intensive.
How to apply for an EORI number for your company in Sweden
Swedish companies apply for an EORI number directly through Swedish Customs.
1. Check whether your company is already registered
Your company should have only one EORI number. If it has previously imported or exported goods, or applied for a customs authorisation, it may already be registered. Start by checking the number in the European Commission’s validation service.
2. Prepare the company details
A Swedish company will usually need the following information for its application:
Company registration details.
Company and contact details.
Personal details of the person submitting the application.
Electronic identification with BankID.
A power of attorney if a representative submits the application.
If you are a sole trader, you apply using your personal identity number as the basis.
3. Submit the application to Swedish Customs
Apply for an EORI number in the Swedish Customs e-service. The Swedish Customs website also explains the different stages and provides additional information for applications concerning foreign companies, applications submitted by representatives and cases requiring supporting documents. The application is free of charge.
4. Save the number where it will be used
Once registration is complete, save the EORI number in the business systems and workflows you use for customs representatives and transport bookings. Also make sure it is clear who is responsible for keeping the number available in the process. A valid number is not helpful if it is missing from the information provided to the carrier or customs representative before the declaration is submitted.
When is an EORI number used?
An EORI number is used whenever a company must be identified in a customs procedure. The number may be provided:
in an import or export declaration.
to a customs representative filing a declaration on the company’s behalf.
to a carrier that needs the details for customs handling.
in connection with transit.
when applying for certain authorisations.
in digital customs systems where the company must be identified.
Before the goods are sent, it must be clear who will act as the importer or exporter. The chosen Incoterms often determine which party is responsible for transport, export clearance and import clearance. Read more in our guide to Incoterms and responsibilities in international trade.
A customs representative can help with the declaration, but the company must provide accurate information. This includes the EORI number, goods description, value, origin and classification.
What does an EORI number look like?
An EORI number consists of the country code of the EU country where it was issued, followed by ten digits.
An EORI number issued in Sweden consists of the country code SE followed by ten digits:
SE1234567890
For companies established in Sweden, the ten digits correspond to the company registration number without the hyphen. Sole traders use their personal identity number.
How to find and validate an EORI number
Find your company’s EORI number
If you have a Swedish company and are looking for its EORI number, start with the format SE followed by the company registration number.
Check that the number is valid
Then validate the combination in the European Commission database. Enter the full EORI number, including the country code, in the European Commission’s validation service.
We recommend checking the number before the first customs activity. It is also useful to verify that a business partner has provided a valid number, check whether an older registration is still active, and make sure the country code and digits have been entered correctly.
Is an EORI number the same as a company registration number or VAT number?
No. The numbers may look similar, but they serve different purposes.
EORI number: Identifies an operator in customs procedures and is used for imports, exports and transit.
Company registration number: Identifies a Swedish company or organisation. It is mainly used for agreements, registrations and communication with public authorities.
VAT number: Shows that a company is registered for VAT and is used for VAT reporting and trade within the EU.
For Swedish companies, the EORI number is based on the company registration number. A Swedish VAT number normally consists of SE, the company registration number and the suffix 01.
The EORI number is only one part of customs handling
The EORI number identifies the company, but it does not contain all the information needed to move goods across a customs border. For example, it does not state:
which goods are being imported or exported.
which HS code or commodity code should be used.
which customs value applies.
how much customs duty and import VAT must be paid.
whether the goods are subject to restrictions or authorisations.
which transport and origin documents are required.
The number does not replace a customs declaration. The company must still collect the correct supporting information and determine how the goods should be classified and declared.
Posti offers digital customs management for companies that import and export goods. We handle customs declarations, goods classification, transit and customs warehousing. Customs processes can also be combined with Posti’s solutions for domestic and international transport.