EORI Number Checker
Validate a UK (GB), XI or EU EORI number instantly against the official HMRC and EU EOS databases — with registered name, country and status.
Check an EORI number
Validate EORI and review source response.
Checked EORI
- Source
- Country
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- Name
- Message
Optional details
- Name
- Street
- Postal code
- City
- Country name
- Address
How to check an EORI number
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1
Enter the EORI number
Type the full number including its country prefix — GB, XI, or an EU code such as DE, FR or IE.
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2
Run the check
GB numbers are verified against the official HMRC EORI checker; XI and EU numbers against the EU EOS validation database.
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3
Review the result
You get a valid, invalid or pending status plus the registered name, country and source in one card.
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4
Export for your records
Download the result as a PDF or image to file with your customs declarations and shipping paperwork.
EORI number format & examples
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number always begins with a country prefix, so you can tell at a glance whether it is a GB, XI or EU number. Use the formats below to sanity-check a number before you validate it — a wrong or missing prefix is the most common reason a check comes back invalid.
| Type | Structure | Example | Issued by |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB (Great Britain) | GB + 12 digits (usually your VAT number + 000) | GB123456789000 | HMRC |
| XI (Northern Ireland) | XI + 12 digits, issued under the Windsor Framework | XI123456789000 | HMRC |
| EU member states | Country ISO code + up to 15 alphanumeric characters | DE123456789 | National customs |
What this EORI checker validates
Check a UK (GB) EORI
GB numbers are checked live against HMRC. A GB EORI is required to move goods into or out of Great Britain and is usually your VAT number followed by 000.
Check an XI EORI
XI numbers cover Northern Ireland trade under the Windsor Framework and are validated against the EU EOS database. Many GB traders also need an XI EORI to move goods to or through NI.
Check an EU EORI
EU numbers (DE, FR, IE, NL and every member state) are validated against the European Commission's EOS service, returning the registered trader details where they are published.
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique ID that customs authorities in the UK and EU use to track and clear goods you import or export. Any business — and sometimes a private individual — moving commercial goods across the UK or EU border needs one, and it appears on customs declarations, shipping paperwork and courier requests from carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS.
Checking an EORI before you ship confirms the number is registered and active, and that the name on file matches the trader you are dealing with. That protects you from customs delays, held parcels and declarations rejected because a supplier, buyer or forwarder gave you an invalid number. This tool queries the official HMRC and EU EOS sources directly — EximKit does not issue, store or resell EORI numbers.
FAQ
EORI number checker questions
How do I check if an EORI number is valid?
Enter the full EORI number — including its country prefix (GB, XI, or an EU code like DE or FR) — and select Check. A GB number is verified against the official HMRC EORI checker; XI and EU numbers are validated against the EU EOS database. You will see a valid, invalid or pending status along with the registered name, country and source.
Is this EORI number checker free?
Yes. Checking a UK (GB), XI or EU EORI number is completely free, instant and needs no login. You can also export each result as a PDF or image for your customs and shipping records at no cost.
What is the difference between a GB, XI and EU EORI number?
A GB EORI (prefix GB) is used for trade into and out of Great Britain. An XI EORI (prefix XI) is for Northern Ireland trade under the Windsor Framework. An EU EORI starts with an EU member-state code such as DE, FR or IE and is issued by that country's customs authority. Many traders moving goods between the UK and the EU need more than one.
Why does my EORI number show as invalid?
The most common reasons are a wrong or missing country prefix (for example a GB number entered without "GB"), mixing up GB and XI numbers, extra spaces, or an EU number that is registered but not yet activated in the EOS database. Double-check the prefix and format, then check again.
Can I check an EORI number by company name?
No official database lets you look up an EORI directly from a company name — the HMRC and EU EOS services only validate a number you already have. If you have the number, this checker will return the registered name (when the trader has consented to public display) so you can confirm it matches the business.
Is an EORI number the same as a VAT number?
No, but they are linked. In the UK a GB EORI is usually your VAT number followed by 000, and in the EU the EORI is often derived from the VAT registration. You can hold an EORI without being VAT registered, and vice versa.
Where does the validation data come from?
GB EORI numbers are checked in real time against HMRC's public EORI checking service. XI and EU EORI numbers are validated against the European Commission's EOS (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) validation database. EximKit does not store or issue EORI numbers — it queries the official sources and shows you the result.