An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) refers to a one-of-a-kind code associated with a supplier in the European Union (EU). Assuming that you have enlisted a Dutch organization and have a permanent establishment, you can easily get an EORI number right away. This Dutch EORI number empowers your business to complete cross-boundary exchanging exercises with countries outside the EU.
EORI number in the Netherlands comprises the nation code (NL for the Netherlands) and the fiscal number of the organization. The fiscal number is a distinguishing proof number and can be found at the trade register extract of the company being called RSIN.
Following registration and after getting a VAT number, your organization will need an EORI number when you need to do cross-border business and manage customs. For instance, you need an EORI number when documenting customs statements.
Confirming EORI number Activation
EORI numbers are mandatory for importing and exporting entities, including the often-used limited liability company (BV). They are also required of natural persons with a business, like sole ownership (ZZP). Business branches do not get their own EORI number. Instead, they use the main office’s EORI number.
The EORI number is allocated by the member state where the business operator is set up. An EORI number given in one of the member states is legitimate in all the EU member states. The Dutch customs informs the operators that get a Dutch EORI number concerning this number.
You can check the EORI numbers from the EORI database on the European Commission site. Remember that not all EORI number holders agree with the publication. Therefore, you may not see all active registrations.
EORI number is an important requirement for Trading
Any organization that imports or exports within the EU and the Netherlands must have an EORI number. You will need it at the port for custom declarations for:
- Imports and export of goods and/or services
- Presentation notifications
- Entry summary and transit declarations
- Temporary storage summary declarations
- Unloading documentation on all goods in temporary storage upon entrance
- Exit manifest presentations
- Notifications for “arrival at exit”
- Notifications for exit
Most importantly, all transport operators as listed in the customs declarations should have an EORI number as well. Applicants will have to wait for about three weeks after the Dutch business registration to get their EORI number. You cannot have more than one active EORI number while operating in the EU. However, exceptions exist for companies that have a second VAT number.
EORI number and Excise tax Permits
In the Netherlands, EORI numbers are also needed for excise tax permits issued by Dutch customs. Therefore, compliance with the permits’ rules is required.
Economic operators with an excise tax permit usually have dealings with customs. Therefore, assigning an EORI number to them helps to avoid the use of various identification numbers.
Applying for an EORI number in the Netherlands!
Anyone established in the Netherlands can get an EORI number in two ways:
- Application with tax Reference
Dutch companies with tax reference (VAT) do not need to make an application for the EORI number. When this is the case, you can create your EORI number by doing the following:
- Write your EORI number starting with “NL”
- Include your company’s RSIN after “NL”.
You can find your business’ RSIN on the trade registrar extract. If your RSIN number has less than 9 digits, you shall add zeros before it. After that, you can start using your EORI number immediately in interactions with Dutch customs. The authorities will check and register your EORI number automatically when you use it for the first time.
- Application without tax reference
Without a tax reference number, you can get your EORI number by submitting a filled application form. Once the authority receives and approves the application, the EU EORI website publishes the company’s EORI number. This is the central database of existing EORI numbers for use by all customs authorities in each of the member states.
Receiving an EORI number through the application form
The EORI number application form is on the Dutch Customs Administration website. To get your EORI number, submit a request through email. During working days, you will most often get a response within hours.
If you are situated outside the EU region, you can apply for your EORI number in any of the EU member states where your business operates. Operations outside the EU require a document from the trade register.