Applying for an EORI Number: A Guide for Exporters
No EORI, no export. How to apply for an EORI number with German customs, what you need, and how long it takes.
Anyone making their first export declaration with German customs quickly runs into a problem: the ATLAS system (Automatisiertes Tarif- und Lokales Zoll-Abwicklungs-System) requires a valid EORI number for the exporter without exception. Without that number, nothing works — no declaration, no Export Accompanying Document, no zero-rated supply. The good news: applying is straightforward and is usually completed quickly.
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identifier for economic operators engaged in trade with third countries — that is, those who export or import. It identifies the company (or natural person) unambiguously to the customs authorities across the entire European Union.
The EORI number has a standard EU-wide format: two letters for the issuing country (for Germany: DE), followed by a numeric identifier. For companies established in Germany, this is generally the tax number in a standardised form.
The EORI number is valid throughout the EU — a company that has one in Germany does not need to apply for a separate one in France, the Netherlands, or Poland. It is also permanently valid and does not need to be renewed as long as the company remains active.
Who needs one?
Every company or natural person that exports goods from Germany to a third country or imports goods from a third country into Germany needs an EORI number. This applies to occasional exports as well.
Private individuals who are not engaged in commercial activity are exempt — they may export within certain limits without an EORI. However, as soon as a commercial activity is present, the EORI is required.
Customs agents and freight forwarders acting in their own name (as indirect representatives) also need their own EORI number — regardless of whether the exporter has one.
Application with the Generalzolldirektion (GZD)
The authority responsible for issuing EORI numbers in Germany is the Generalzolldirektion (GZD). The application can be submitted entirely online via the form on zoll.de.
To apply you will generally need:
- Commercial register extract (HRB extract): A current extract from the commercial register, no more than three months old. For sole traders not in the commercial register: business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung).
- VAT identification number (VAT ID): The VAT ID is mandatory for VAT-registered businesses. It is issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern).
- Company details: Full company name, address, legal form, responsible contact person.
- Power of attorney if applicable: If an authorised representative is submitting the application, a corresponding power of attorney must be included.
The application is completed and submitted online. A handwritten signature or a visit to the customs office is generally not required.
How long does it take?
After the GZD receives the complete application, processing typically takes one to three working days. In individual cases — for instance where there are queries about identity or where documents are incomplete — it may take longer.
The EORI number is sent by e-mail or in writing. It is valid from the date of notification and can be used immediately for customs declarations.
If you are exporting for the first time, plan ahead: the EORI should be applied for at least one week before the planned shipment to avoid any time pressure.
Common problems
Sole traders without a commercial register entry: Sole traders not entered in the commercial register can submit their business registration instead of the HRB extract. It is important that the details match the tax assessment notice.
Multiple trading names under a single tax number: If a company trades under several names (e.g. through a registered brand), this can trigger queries. The officially registered company name should be used in the application.
Missing or non-matching VAT ID: If the VAT ID is still being processed or does not match the details in the application, processing may be delayed. The Federal Central Tax Office is responsible for issuing VAT IDs — note that this process can also take a number of days.
EORI for foreign subsidiaries: Where a parent company established in Germany exports on behalf of a foreign subsidiary, the situation is more complex. In these cases, it is advisable to clarify in advance who appears as the legal exporter.
Once your EORI is in place, you can begin the actual export process. For a step-by-step guide to how that works, see our Export Declaration Service — where we guide you from the first declaration through to the exit notification.