An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals involved in customs activities within the European Union (EU). This number is crucial for customs declarations and ensuring the smooth movement of goods across EU borders. The EORI number validation checker, such as the one provided by the European Commission at the link you shared, is an online tool designed to verify the validity of an EORI number.
The validation checker allows users to input an EORI number and receive confirmation of its validity. It checks whether the number is registered and recognised in the EU’s EORI database. This is important because only businesses or individuals with a valid EORI number can engage in customs activities within the EU, such as importing, exporting, or transporting goods.
People can use this tool in various ways:
- Customs Compliance: Businesses that regularly import or export goods within the EU can use the EORI number validation checker to ensure that their own EORI number, or the numbers of their trading partners, are valid and up-to-date. This helps avoid delays or issues with customs processing.
- Verification of Trading Partners: Companies can use the tool to verify the EORI numbers of their suppliers or customers within the EU. This is particularly important in ensuring that all parties involved in a transaction are properly registered and compliant with EU regulations.
- Preventing Fraud: By validating the EORI numbers of potential business partners, companies can reduce the risk of fraud or dealing with unauthorised entities, thereby protecting their business interests.