Analysis of Differences Between Germany's EORI Format and the UK's

Is the Format of Germany's EORI Number the Same as the UK?

In international trade, the EORI European Union Import Export Operator Identification Number is an important identifier for enterprises engaging in cross-border trade. It helps customs authorities identify participants in import and export activities and ensures that transactions comply with relevant regulations. For trade activities involving EU member states, understanding the format and differences of EORI numbers in different countries is particularly important. This article will explore the characteristics of Germany and the UK's EORI number formats and analyze whether there are significant differences between them.

First, let us clarify the basic structure of Germany's EORI number. Germany's EORI number usually consists of a prefix letter DE followed by the enterprise's VAT number. For example, DE123456789. This structure reflects Germany's identity as an EU member state and also indicates its close connection to the VAT system. Before applying for a German EORI number, enterprises must first register and obtain a VAT number. This requirement ensures that only legally operating enterprises can obtain an EORI number, thereby maintaining the security and transparency of cross-border trade.

By contrast, after Brexit, the UK adopted an independent EORI system. Starting from 2025, companies within the UK need to use GB as the prefix when applying for a UK EORI number. For example, GB123456789. It is worth noting that in certain circumstances, if an enterprise is involved in trade between the UK and the EU, it may need to apply for an additional non-EU EORI number. This is mainly because the UK is no longer part of the EU, so its EORI system is no longer directly under the EU framework. Nevertheless, to simplify the process, the UK provided a transitional arrangement allowing some eligible companies to temporarily continue using their original EU EORI numbers to handle goods exchanges with EU countries.

From the above comparison, it can be seen that although Germany and the UK's EORI numbers both adopt a similar numbering method-composed of a fixed prefix plus a unique identification code-they do have some key differences. First, in terms of prefix selection, Germany always uses DE, while the UK uniformly uses GB. Second, in terms of scope of application, Germany's EORI number applies to all trade activities between EU member states and third countries; whereas the UK's EORI number is limited to use between the UK itself and third-party countries with which it has bilateral agreements. As the Brexit process progresses, more rule adjustments may occur in specific industries or fields in the future, further increasing the complexity of the two countries' EORI management policies.

Of course, in addition to the differences in format, the two countries also face unique challenges in actual operation. For example, due to Germany's central location in Europe, its port facilities are well-developed and its logistics network is extensive, making it more efficient and smooth in handling large-scale import and export operations. By contrast, the UK, being an island nation, is relatively isolated geographically, and coupled with recent supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, its response speed in emergencies is relatively slower. These objective conditions undoubtedly have a profound impact on the practical implementation of the two countries' EORI systems.

In summary, despite the seemingly similar appearance of Germany and the UK's EORI numbers, they differ fundamentally in terms of connotation and application environment. For enterprises engaged in multinational trade, accurately grasping the characteristics of these two countries' EORI numbers is crucial, as it not only relates to whether customs clearance procedures can be completed smoothly but also directly affects the efficiency of the entire supply chain and cost control levels. It is recommended that relevant practitioners closely follow the latest developments and update their knowledge reserves in a timely manner to better adapt to the ever-changing international market environment.