Guides › EORI for online shops shipping to the UK or Switzerland
EORI for online shops shipping to the UK or Switzerland
Updated: 1 November 2026 · Klik&Shop
The United Kingdom and Switzerland are not in the EU. Every shipment goes through customs, and that requires an EORI number.
Why you need an EORI number
For customs, a parcel to the UK or Switzerland is an export from the EU. That export needs a declaration. Usually your carrier or forwarder files it, but it is in your name as exporter, with your EORI number. Without an EORI number the shipment can be delayed or returned.
DAP or DDP: who pays the import costs?
- DAP (Delivered at Place): the recipient pays import VAT, any duties and clearance fees. Simple for you, but customers are sometimes surprised by charges on delivery.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): you pay everything and the customer gets the parcel without surprises. You (or your representative) are then also the importer in the destination country, where its own rules apply.
United Kingdom
- If you ship DDP and act as importer in the UK, you need a GB EORI number in addition to your EU EORI number. UK business customers that import themselves also have one.
- For consignments worth up to £135, the seller often charges UK VAT at the point of sale and must register for UK VAT; when selling through an online marketplace, the marketplace often handles this. Check the current rules on gov.uk.
- Goods to Northern Ireland partly follow EU rules; there are EORI numbers starting with
XI.
Switzerland
- For exports to Switzerland you also need your EU EORI number. Switzerland itself does not use EORI numbers; Swiss businesses use their UID number with customs.
- Switzerland levies import VAT and has its own rules for foreign online shops sending many small consignments, which may require a Swiss VAT registration. Check the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (ESTV/AFC) website or ask your carrier.
Practical checklist
- Get an EORI number if you don't have one (see applying for an EORI number).
- Give your EORI number to your carrier or shipping platform.
- Provide a good goods description, HS code, value and country of origin on every shipment.
- Choose between DAP and DDP deliberately and state it clearly in your shop.
- Check UK business customers' EORI numbers before shipping: with the free EORI check or automatically via the API.
FAQ
Do I need an EORI number if my carrier files the declaration?
Yes. The carrier files it on your behalf, but with your EORI number as exporter.
Can my UK customer give me their EORI number?
A UK business customer that imports itself has a GB EORI number. You can check it with HMRC; our check does this automatically for GB numbers.
Do I need a Swiss EORI number?
No, Switzerland does not use EORI numbers. You use your EU EORI number for the export. Whether you must account for Swiss VAT depends on your situation.
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).