Applying for an EORI number: free, 1 business day

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique identification number for companies performing customs formalities in the EU. It can be applied for free of charge at Dutch Customs, is valid in all 27 EU member states, and you need it as soon as you import or export anything from or to a third country once. In the Netherlands the EORI consists of “NL” + your 9-digit VAT number. The application is usually completed within one business day.

What is an EORI number?

The EORI system was introduced in 2009 by the EU under Regulation (EC) 312/2009 and has been anchored in article 9 of the Union Customs Code since the UCC 2016. The aim: one unique number that allows customs in all member states to recognize an economic operator.

For the Netherlands, Dutch Customs is the issuing authority. The EORI number is structured as:

• NL + 9 digits (equal to your VAT number without the “NL” and the “B01” suffix)
• For sole proprietorships: NL + 9 digits of the BSN-related number
• For foreign parties performing customs formalities in the Netherlands: an issued NL EORI based on establishment or registration

The number is one-to-one linked to your KvK and VAT registration. If your legal form changes or you merge, you must apply for a new EORI.

Who needs an EORI?

• Every entrepreneur filing import or export declarations (themselves or via an agent).
• Anyone listed as consignor or consignee on a customs declaration — even if you outsource the declaration yourself.
• Holders of customs licenses such as AEO, customs warehouse, simplified declaration.
• Applicants for binding information (BTI, BOI).
• Companies involved in T1 transit, EMCS excise, ICS2 declaration.

This applies to all business forms: BV, NV, sole proprietorship, VOF, foundation, cooperative. Private individuals incidentally importing something don’t need an EORI — a courier service handles the declaration in the name of an intermediary.

Don’t forget: even if you fully outsource your declaration to a customs broker, you still need an EORI yourself. The agent files the declaration under your EORI number.

How do you apply for the EORI number?

The application runs via Dutch Customs. Three routes:

Route 1: Online via the Business Counter

• Go to belastingdienst.nl/eori and log in with eHerkenning level 3 or higher.
• Fill in the application: KvK number, VAT number, contact details.
• Submit digitally.

Lead time: usually same business day to 1 business day. For routine BVs and sole proprietorships this is fully automated.

Route 2: Paper form

Without eHerkenning, you can download the “EORI number application” form, fill it in and send it by post to Dutch Customs. This takes longer — typically 5 to 10 business days.

Route 3: Foreign parties

Non-EU companies importing or exporting in the Netherlands can apply for an NL EORI via a fiscal representative or via direct registration. This is common for companies from the US, China or the UK that stock products in the Netherlands.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. An EORI application is completely free. Be alert to third-party websites asking money for “support with EORI application” — the actual application costs you nothing and you can do it yourself in five minutes.

How do you check if an EORI is valid?

The EU Commission offers the EORI validation tool: enter an EORI and you immediately see whether the number is registered and in which member state. Company name is only shown if the holder has consented (in the Netherlands this is opt-in).

As an importer it’s wise to validate the EORI of your foreign customer or supplier — especially for first transactions. An invalid EORI in ICS2 or T1 leads to rejection of the declaration.

Common mistakes

1. Confusing with VAT number

Although the EORI in the Netherlands is built up from the VAT number, they are two separate registrations. You must apply for an EORI separately — your VAT registration does not automatically make it valid.

2. EORI not passed to agents

Many importers don’t pass their EORI to their forwarder or customs broker, causing declarations to be delayed. Standardize this in your onboarding document.

3. No EORI on legal form change

When converting a sole proprietorship into a BV your KvK and VAT number change — and so does your EORI. An EORI registered under the old entity leads to rejection.

4. Using one EORI for multiple companies

Each legal entity has its own EORI. Holding and operating company each have a separate number.

5. Forgetting to activate in other member states

An NL EORI is valid throughout the EU, but for some declarations (such as AEO or licenses in other countries) you must first activate that EORI in the local customs system. For pure declarations via an NL agent that’s not necessary.

EORI and AEO

Companies with an AEO status (see our AEO article) automatically have their EORI linked to their AEO license. The AEO number and the EORI run identically; your EORI is listed in the AEO database as certified.

Get started

An EORI is the basic ID for all customs matters. Don’t have an EORI yet? Apply for one today via belastingdienst.nl/eori. Running into questions about import or export obligations, or do you have a foreign holding that will be importing in the Netherlands?

DouaneDoc helps you with the complete setup of your customs processes. See our import declaration or export declaration service, or request a quote. Direct contact: 088 088 2407 or sales@aircargo.nl.