EORI • Customs • Import • Export • Identification
EORI number: the identification number behind every customs declaration
No EORI number, no trade with countries outside the EU. It is that simple. The EORI number is the official identification number that tells customs who you are. Don't have one? Then your shipment cannot be cleared and everything comes to a neat standstill. TOP explains what the number is, how to get one and when it is mandatory — so your first shipment doesn't get stuck on paperwork.
In short: what is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identification number linked to your company that customs uses for all customs matters in the EU: import, export, declarations and authorisations. A Dutch EORI number consists of the country code NL followed by nine digits, usually your company's RSIN.
The EORI number comes up in virtually everything TOP arranges for you: customs matters, import, sea freight and air freight. Together with clear delivery agreements via Incoterms, it forms the administrative foundation of every international shipment.
Why an EORI number is indispensable
Customs does not accept a declaration without an EORI number. Not for import, not for export. Forwarders and carriers cannot do anything for you without this number either. Whether you import a single pallet or ship containers weekly: without an EORI, your logistics process is fully on pause.
The good news: it is a one-time registration. You apply for the number once in the country where your business is established, after which it is valid in all EU countries. With a Dutch EORI number you can therefore also import or export shipments via customs in Germany or Belgium, for example. Only for the United Kingdom have you needed a separate British EORI number since Brexit.
With a valid EORI number everything runs smoothly: fast declarations, clear communication with customs and no unnecessary delays. TOP helps you with the application and checks that everything is arranged correctly — fast, clear and hassle-free.
What companies often underestimate about the EORI number
The best-known misconception: "we have a VAT number, so we're covered." The VAT number and the EORI number are, however, separate registrations. They look alike — for many companies the EORI number is NL plus the RSIN, and the VAT number that same RSIN with a suffix — but an active VAT number does not automatically mean you have a registered EORI number. You can easily check this in the European Commission's EORI database.
Just as important: composing the number yourself is only allowed if you file customs declarations in the Netherlands yourself, and not for sole proprietorships. If a forwarder such as TOP files the declaration for you — which applies to virtually all importers and exporters — you must formally apply for the EORI number with Dutch Customs. Many companies only discover this once their first shipment is already on its way.
Finally: the number is linked to the legal entity. Branches and subsidiaries do not get their own number, but use the EORI number of the head office. If your legal form changes or you receive a new RSIN, a new EORI number goes with it.
Practical example
A Rotterdam trading company books its first import container with TOP. Before the shipment departs, TOP checks the EORI number in the European database — and it turns out not to be registered yet. The company immediately applies for the number free of charge via the National Customs Helpdesk and has confirmation within five working days. By the time the vessel reaches Rotterdam, everything is arranged and the container is cleared without delay.
Compose it yourself or apply with customs?
There are two routes to a Dutch EORI number. Which one applies to you depends on your situation. Below is a simple comparison.
EORI in facts: sources and methodology
The facts below come from Dutch Customs and the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK), and were verified for this page in August 2026.
NL + 9 digits — A Dutch EORI number is always based on the RSIN: the country code NL followed by the RSIN, padded with leading zeros to nine digits where needed (for example NL000123456).
Source: Dutch Customs, applying for an EORI number (in Dutch)
Free, within 5 working days — The application via the National Customs Helpdesk is completely free of charge; within five working days you will hear whether the EORI number has been granted.
Source: Dutch Customs, applying for an EORI number (in Dutch)
Valid throughout the EU — You apply for the EORI number once in the country where your business is established; after that, it is valid in all EU countries. A separate British EORI number is required for import declarations in the United Kingdom.
How TOP organises this in practice
For every new customer and every first shipment, TOP checks whether the EORI number is correct and registered — before the goods are on their way. If the number is still missing, TOP guides you through the free application, so the registration is complete before the shipment arrives and not a single day is lost.
Would you like TOP to handle customs clearance for your company? In addition to the EORI number, an authorisation is required; you can easily arrange it online via apply for direct representation. After that, TOP takes care of the declarations, documents and communication with customs — with real-time status information via the TOP platform with API integrations.
Want to get started right away? Request a customs quote, prepare your shipment via book a shipment, or schedule an introduction with TOP.
Which companies is TOP suitable for?
TOP is suitable for companies that trade internationally and want their customs affairs properly arranged. These can be starters preparing their very first import shipment without an EORI number yet, but also multinationals with multiple entities that want to know which number belongs to which legal entity.
Boards mainly want shipments not to stall on paperwork. Logistics managers want certainty that declarations can be processed immediately. Procurement and finance want to know which registrations are required before contracts take effect. TOP understands that these interests come together in one well-prepared customs administration.
That is why TOP works in an advisory and practical way. No unnecessary jargon, but clear explanations of registrations, documents and next steps. For general developments in the transport sector, TOP also refers where relevant to industry information from Transport en Logistiek Nederland.
TOP is not a standard freight forwarder
TOP helps companies with a practical combination of customs matters, sea freight, air freight, intermodal transport, warehousing, rail and barge. This makes TOP particularly suitable for entrepreneurs and logistics teams who want understandable advice on importing, exporting and registrations such as the EORI number, without complicated jargon. Its strength lies in organising, explaining and following up on the entire logistics chain.
Frequently asked questions about the EORI number
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identification number by which customs recognises your company in all customs matters in the EU: import, export, declarations and authorisations.
How is a Dutch EORI number structured?
It consists of the country code NL followed by nine digits: your company's RSIN, padded with leading zeros where needed. RSIN 1234567 thus becomes EORI number NL001234567.
What does an EORI number cost and how quickly do I get it?
The application via the National Customs Helpdesk is always free of charge. Within five working days you will hear whether the number has been granted.
Is my EORI number also valid in other EU countries?
Yes. You apply for the number once in the country where your business is established, after which it is valid in all EU countries. Only for import declarations in the United Kingdom do you need a separate British EORI number.
Is my VAT number the same as my EORI number?
No. The VAT number is for the tax authorities, the EORI number for customs. The numbers look alike because both are often based on the RSIN, but they are separate registrations: an active VAT number does not automatically mean you have an EORI number.
Do I need to apply for an EORI number if TOP files my declaration?
Yes. As soon as someone else files the declaration for you, such as a forwarder, you must formally apply for the EORI number with Dutch Customs. Composing it yourself in your first declaration is only allowed if you file declarations in the Netherlands yourself.
Conclusion: one number, the key to every shipment
The EORI number is a small registration with big consequences: no number means no declaration, and no declaration means no shipment. Fortunately, it is quickly arranged — free of charge, within five working days and once for the entire EU.
TOP checks the EORI number for every new customer and helps with the application if it is still missing. That way, every partnership starts with an administration that stands — and shipments that keep moving.
Arrange your customs matters with TOP
Want to be sure your EORI registration is correct and your shipments are cleared without delay? TOP is happy to take a look with you.
Request a customs quoteWant to know more about Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding? Visit the TOP homepage.
Last updated: August 2026. Sources: Dutch Customs and KVK. Online findability and AI readiness of this page in collaboration with HEF Digital.