You need an EORI number to get or send deliveries that go into or out of the UK and anywhere else that includes the EU from 1st January 2021
From 1 January 2021 you will need one to any move goods between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and the EU. You may also need one if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland.
So if you buy items from a supplier that may be an international brand with its warehouse possibly located in Belgium for example or you are buying bedding from a Spanish brand who ship directly to your shop in the UK you will need a EORI number .You may get orders on line from a consumer in Europe or the USA to ship them you will need a EORI number .
So, apply today; it costs you nothing but will save you time, trouble, and a lot of needles costs. Even if you think you do not need one now, just get it as a precaution. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply.
If you do not have an EORI, you may have increased costs and delays. For example, if HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cannot clear your goods you may have to pay additional clearance and storage fees.
To apply you need your:
- VAT number and effective date of registration – these are on your VAT registration certificate
- National Insurance number – if you’re an individual or a sole trader
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) – find your UTR if you do not know it
- Business start date and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code – these are in the Companies House register
- Government Gateway user ID and password
If you need a Government Gateway user ID, use either:
- The one for your business or organisation
- Your own if you’re applying as an individual
If you do not already have a user ID, you’ll be able to create one when you apply.
Use this service to apply for an EORI number that starts with GB. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply. You’ll get it either:
- Straight away
- Within 5 working days (if HMRC needs to make more checks)
- What you need to know
You may have to wait 48 hours to use your EORI number for customs declarations in the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system.
*image source pexels.com
