Guides › Applying for and checking an EORI number
Applying for and checking an EORI number
Updated: 1 November 2026 · Klik&Shop
Getting an EORI number is free and usually takes less than a week. Checking one is instant, including those of your customers and suppliers.
Applying (example: the Netherlands)
You apply for an EORI number in the EU country where your business is established. In the Netherlands, you use the application form of the National Customs Helpdesk (via douane.nl), free of charge. Dutch Customs says you will hear within about 5 working days; for businesses outside the EU it may take longer.
In the Netherlands you apply to Customs if:
- you are a sole trader;
- someone else, such as a forwarder, files declarations for you;
- you file declarations in another country.
Composing it yourself (Netherlands)
If your Dutch business has an RSIN (BV, partnership, foundation, etc.) and you file your own customs declarations in the Netherlands, you may compose the number yourself: NL + your RSIN padded to 9 digits. It is registered with your first declaration or authorisation application. Check after a few working days that it is valid.
Making name and address visible
The European EORI database only shows name and address if you consent. You can give consent when applying or later. Without consent, anyone checking your number only sees whether it is valid.
Checking an EORI number
- Use the free EORI check on this site, or the European Commission's EORI validation page.
- Enter the number with its country code, without spaces: e.g.
NL123456789. - Read the result: valid or not valid, plus name and address where available.
GB (United Kingdom) numbers are not in the EU database; they are checked with HMRC. Our check and API do this automatically for numbers starting with GB.
Checking many numbers, for example when onboarding suppliers or customers? The API checks up to 10 EORI numbers in one request.
FAQ
How long does an EORI application take?
In the Netherlands, Customs says you will hear within 5 working days. For businesses outside the EU it may take longer. Other countries have their own timelines.
Why is there no name for a valid EORI number?
The business has not consented to publishing its name and address. The number is valid, but the details are not public.
My own EORI number shows 'not valid'. What now?
Check for typos and the country code. If you composed the number yourself, it only becomes valid after your first declaration. Otherwise contact your customs authority.
Check an EORI number now
5 one-time free checks in the EU database (EOS) and with HMRC, or automate with the API (5 free checks a month).