EORI Number Application
End-to-end help applying for the GB or XI EORI number HMRC requires for commercial imports.
EORI Number Application overview
An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is required by HMRC for almost all commercial imports into the UK. There are two formats. GB EORI for Great Britain importers. XI EORI for Northern Ireland trade under the Windsor Framework.
Application is free via gov.uk and usually takes 3 to 5 working days. We walk you through which format you need and the documents required, so the partner you meet is ready to clear your goods on day one.
The detail
- GB format
- GB followed by 12 digits (GB123456789000)
- XI format
- XI followed by 12 digits (Windsor Framework / Northern Ireland)
- Application
- Free via gov.uk/eori
- Typical turnaround
- 3 to 5 working days
- When you need GB
- Importing into Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
- When you need XI
- Trading between Northern Ireland and the EU
What the matched partner does
For EORI applications we route you to a partner who guides you through the gov.uk application end to end, verifies the format you need based on your trade pattern, and prepares the rest of your customs profile in parallel so you can begin importing as soon as the EORI arrives.
Common questions
Do I need an EORI as a private individual?
Usually not for personal effects or Transfer of Residence imports. EORI is required for commercial imports. Your partner will confirm based on your shipment.
Can I trade while I wait for the EORI?
No commercial entry can be filed with HMRC until your EORI is active. Your partner will hold the file and submit on day one of activation.
Do I need both GB and XI?
Only if you trade in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland (or with the EU via NI under the Windsor Framework).
Ready to begin a eori application enquiry?
Pick the path that fits your shipment. The enquiry pre-fills with the right questions for your import type, so we can match you to the partner who handles it routinely.
Goods for resale or business use. HMRC entry, tariff classification, import VAT.
Begin enquiry →02 / PersonalHousehold belongings shipped to a UK address. TOR relief assessed before partner match.
Begin enquiry →03 / VehicleCars and motorcycles. NOVA filed inside the HMRC 14-day window.
Begin enquiry →Not sure which path fits? Email support@portixglobal.com and we will help you classify before the partner match. No payment ever held by Portix.