Explore

EORI Number in the Netherlands: How Foreign Businesses Can Apply

Businesses that import or export goods within the European Union often need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, commonly known as an EORI number.

For companies involved in international trade, understanding how to apply for EORI number Netherlands is an important part of preparing for customs activities. The number is used by customs authorities to identify economic operators during import, export, and other customs procedures.

This guide explains what an EORI number is, when a business needs one, and how foreign companies can arrange their EORI registration in the Netherlands.

What Is an EORI Number?

An EORI number is a unique identification number used by customs authorities across the European Union.

It allows customs authorities to identify businesses and other economic operators involved in customs activities.

A company may need an EORI number when it:

  • Imports goods into the EU

  • Exports goods from the EU

  • Submits customs declarations

  • Uses customs procedures

  • Communicates with customs authorities

For businesses operating through the Netherlands, obtaining an EORI number Netherlands can be an important step before beginning international trade.

Who Needs an EORI Number?

Businesses generally need an EORI number when they carry out customs-related activities in the European Union.

This can include:

  • Importers

  • Exporters

  • Manufacturers involved in international trade

  • Wholesalers

  • eCommerce businesses

  • Logistics companies

  • Distribution companies

  • International trading businesses

The requirement depends on the company's role in the customs process and the activities it performs.

Why Is an EORI Number Important?

An EORI number helps customs authorities identify the business involved in an international shipment.

It may be required for customs declarations and other communications with customs authorities.

Without the appropriate customs identification, businesses can face delays when moving goods across borders.

For companies with regular international shipments, arranging the correct EORI registration before trading can help make customs processes more efficient.

How to Apply for an EORI Number in the Netherlands

The process to apply for EORI number Netherlands depends on where the business is established and its relationship with the Netherlands.

A business established in the Netherlands may generally obtain an EORI number through the applicable Dutch customs process.

Businesses should make sure their company details and registration information are accurate before applying.

The process may require information such as:

  • Company name

  • Business registration information

  • Address

  • Tax information

  • Contact details

  • Relevant customs information

Foreign businesses may have different requirements depending on whether they have an establishment in the EU.

EORI Number for Foreign Businesses

Foreign companies trading with customers or suppliers in the EU may need an EORI number even if they are not established in the Netherlands.

The correct registration process depends on the company's establishment, customs activities, and the EU country involved.

Businesses should determine where they are required to obtain their EORI number before submitting customs declarations.

For international businesses using the Netherlands as an import or distribution location, understanding Dutch customs requirements early can help avoid operational delays.

EORI Number and VAT Registration Are Different

An EORI number should not be confused with a VAT number.

The two serve different purposes.

EORI NumberVAT NumberUsed for customs identificationUsed for VAT administrationRelevant to import and export activitiesRelevant to VAT transactionsIdentifies an economic operatorIdentifies a business for VAT purposesUsed in customs proceduresUsed in VAT invoices and returns

A business may need both depending on its activities.

For example, an international eCommerce business importing products into the Netherlands may need an EORI number for customs purposes and VAT registration for its taxable sales.

EORI and Article 23 VAT Deferment

Importers may also need to consider Dutch VAT arrangements such as Article 23.

Article 23 can allow eligible businesses to account for import VAT through their VAT return rather than paying it immediately at import.

Businesses that regularly import goods into the Netherlands should therefore assess both customs and VAT requirements.

Professional Article 23 registration services Netherlands can help eligible foreign businesses understand the relevant VAT deferment process.

EORI for eCommerce Businesses

EORI registration is particularly relevant for international eCommerce businesses that import products into the European market.

An online retailer may import goods from countries outside the EU and then distribute those products to customers across Europe.

In this situation, the business may need to manage:

  • Customs declarations

  • Import duties

  • Import VAT

  • EORI registration

  • VAT registration

  • Warehousing

  • Cross-border sales

Planning these requirements before importing products can help prevent customs delays and unexpected compliance issues.

EORI Number and Customs Declarations

The EORI number is commonly used when submitting customs declarations.

It allows customs authorities to identify the business responsible for the relevant customs transaction.

Depending on the shipment and customs procedure, businesses may also need to provide information about:

  • Goods

  • Quantity

  • Value

  • Origin

  • Destination

  • Commodity codes

  • Transport

  • Customs procedure

Accurate customs information is essential for efficient international trade.

What Does an EORI Number Cost?

In many cases, obtaining an EORI number itself does not involve a significant government registration charge.

However, businesses may incur professional service costs if they use an external provider to assist with the application or broader customs and VAT setup.

The overall cost should therefore be considered as part of the company's international trade compliance budget.

Can an EORI Number Be Used Across the EU?

An EORI number is designed for use within the European Union customs system.

Businesses should generally use the EORI number assigned to them by the relevant EU member state's customs authority.

Companies operating across multiple EU countries should make sure they understand the rules applicable to their particular structure and customs activities.

What Happens If a Business Does Not Have an EORI Number?

If a business is required to have an EORI number but does not have one, it may experience problems with customs procedures.

Potential issues can include:

  • Customs delays

  • Difficulty submitting declarations

  • Shipment interruptions

  • Additional administrative work

Obtaining the appropriate EORI registration before beginning regular international trade can reduce these risks.

EORI and Dutch Company Registration

Foreign entrepreneurs planning to establish a Dutch business may need to arrange several registrations before beginning commercial operations.

These can include:

  • Company registration

  • VAT registration

  • EORI registration

  • Business banking

  • Accounting

  • Payroll

Businesses planning to establish a Dutch entity can explore Netherlands company registration services for assistance with the company setup process.

The exact registrations required depend on the company's structure and business activities.

How to Keep EORI Information Updated

Businesses should ensure that their customs information remains accurate.

Changes such as:

  • Company name

  • Business address

  • Legal structure

  • Ownership

  • Business activities

may require updates to relevant records.

Keeping company and customs information consistent can help prevent issues during international trade transactions.

How FirmNL Can Help

FirmNL supports international businesses with Dutch company establishment and related compliance requirements.

Businesses that need to apply for EORI number Netherlands can seek professional support to understand the registration process and coordinate it with other Dutch business requirements.

This can be particularly useful for foreign businesses that are simultaneously managing VAT, customs, company registration, and import activities.

Final Thoughts

An EORI number for Netherlands operations can be essential for businesses involved in importing and exporting goods through the European Union.

The number provides customs authorities with a way to identify economic operators and is commonly required for customs declarations.

Foreign businesses should assess their EORI, VAT, customs, and company registration requirements before beginning international trade. Proper preparation can help reduce delays and create a smoother process for moving goods across borders.

For businesses using the Netherlands as a European trading or distribution base, understanding EORI requirements early can make international operations easier to manage.