EORI Number Germany 2026: How to Check, Format & Example

For businesses importing and exporting their goods via Germany, an EORI number is one of the important identifiers that you will need to obtain. EORI is short for Economic Operators' Registration and Identification. 

It must be quoted for customs clearance within the EU. The EORI number belongs in the customs declaration rather than on the invoice itself, and if it is missing or incorrect there, the shipment can be held up or delayed. 

Key Takeaways

• An EORI number is mandatory for economic operators established in the EU that carry out customs operations such as imports, exports and transit, and for certain non-EU operators, for example when they act as declarant or carrier.
• An EORI number in Germany starts with 'DE' followed by up to 15 alphanumeric characters, so the full number runs to a maximum of 17 characters.
• An EORI number is valid for doing businesses across the EU; there is no need to apply for a separate EORI number for each EU country.
• You can validate an EORI number via the European Commission's EORI validation database.
• From 1 October 2026, EORI applications, master data changes and cancellations in Germany must go through the Zoll-Portal, with the paper forms retained only for the fallback procedure.

What is an EORI Number Germany?

EORI or Economic Operators' Registration and Identification is a unique customs identification number used to identify businesses and other persons when they carry out customs activities in the EU. Customs authorities use this number to identify the party involved in an import, export, or other customs procedure.

The Generalzolldirektion, Dienstort Dresden, Stammdatenmanagement (the master data management office of the General Customs Directorate in Dresden) assigns the EORI number on application, free of charge, and registers it in the EU's central EORI database.

How Does an EORI Number Work?

The EORI number works as the customs identifier within the EU, used for import and export declarations, transit procedures, and other customs operations. When a business submits a customs declaration form, the EORI number identifies that business to the relevant customs authority.

The key aspect here is that this number works across the EU. Thus, when a company registered in Germany receives a valid EORI number and later decides to import goods into the EU via France, it does not have to apply for another EORI number just because the goods enter the EU through France. EU rules allow a person to have only one valid EORI number at a time. 

The number is assigned by the customs authority of the member state responsible for the business’s registration. This is also where businesses sometimes make an avoidable mistake. An EORI number is not the same as a VAT identification number. A German VAT ID is used for VAT purposes, while an EORI is used for customs. 

Businesses issuing e-invoices should keep the two apart in their master data, because it is the USt-IdNr. that belongs in the VAT identifier fields of an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD invoice, while the EORI number is quoted in the customs declaration.

EORI Number Format and Example

An EORI number has two parts:

Country code + Unique identifier

In Germany, the country code is ‘DE’. An EORI consists of the two-letter country code of the issuing member state, followed by up to 15 alphanumeric characters. Hence, an EORI can have up to 17 characters in total. This format is followed across the EU.

For example: DE123456789012345

Some German EORI numbers can look shorter due to the fact that older German customs numbers were converted into EORI numbers by just adding the ‘DE’ country prefix. For example, an older number may appear as DE1234567. However, newly issued EORI numbers generally follow the longer format. 

Who Needs an EORI Number in Germany?

Businesses that have been registered in Germany will need an EORI number if they conduct any customs operations, including the import or export of goods. This includes manufacturing companies, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce companies, and transport and logistics companies, among others.

The EORI number may also be necessary for companies that are located outside the EU but are conducting certain customs operations in the EU, such as lodging customs declaration or acting as a carrier. The need is dependent upon the type of customs operation being performed and the operator's specific conditions.

What About Private Individuals?

Private individuals do not need an EORI number simply because they import or export goods, since the requirement applies to economic operators carrying out activities covered by customs legislation. According to German official guidelines, private individuals who file fewer than ten customs declarations per year do not require an EORI.

However, there could be some exceptions. For instance, an EORI is required for certain export declarations that are subject to authorisation. Therefore, the question here is not whether the person is an individual or business, but rather the nature of their customs activity.

How to Check or Validate an EORI Number

If you receive an EORI number from a supplier, client, or customs representative, it may be advisable to validate the number before proceeding with the customs procedure. The simplest approach is to make use of the EORI validation service provided by the European Commission. 

Simply enter the EORI number to determine whether it is valid. Make sure that you enter the complete number, including the country prefix, such as DE for Germany.

The database will also show the name and address of the economic operator, if they allow the display of such information. However, the lack of display of such information does not imply that the EORI number is not valid.

What Should You Look Out For?

Before using an EORI number, check:

• Whether the EORI number is valid
• The accuracy of the country prefix
• Whether the registered business details correspond to the supplier or customer
• Whether you have entered the EORI number correctly in your customs or shipping software

A simple typing mistake can create a problem at the customs declaration stage. It is much easier to verify the number ahead and catch errors before the shipment moves.

How to Apply for an EORI Number in Germany

German businesses can apply for an EORI number through the German Customs administration. Until 30 September 2026, businesses can apply either through the Zoll-Portal or with the paper form 0870a. From 1 October 2026 the Zoll-Portal becomes the compulsory route under Art. 6(1) UZK, and the 0870 forms are only accepted in the fallback procedure when the portal is unavailable. 

For companies, registration on the Zoll-Portal requires an ELSTER login option issued to the business on the basis of its current Steuernummer. Private individuals can instead register with their Online-Ausweis or BundID, and operators who already hold an EORI number can use an eIDAS compliant signature certificate.

The process for applying for an EORI number in Germany is as follows:

• Step 1: Register on the Zoll Portal: Create an account on the German customs portal and complete the required identification process.
• Step 2: Select the EORI Service: Next, choose the EORI-Nr. Verwaltung service. This portal allows businesses to apply for an EORI number as well as update or terminate their EORI-related registrations.
• Step 3: Provide Your Business Details: You will then need to provide all the information required to identify the business. Depending on the applicant, certain supporting documents may also be required to be submitted.
• Step 4: Submit the Application: Once the application has been completed, submit the same through the portal. The German customs authority reviews the information and issues the EORI number.

Can You Still Apply by Form?

A transitional period runs until 30 September 2026, during which written applications are still accepted as a normal alternative. Businesses use form 0870a and private individuals use form 0870c. Legally non-independent branches and permanent establishments cannot hold their own EORI number, and instead apply on form 0870b for a Niederlassungsnummer that sits under the head office's EORI. From 1 October 2026 these forms may only be used in the fallback procedure when the Zoll-Portal is unavailable, and by third country operators who cannot obtain portal access.

German customs state that the issue of an EORI number normally takes three to four weeks. Zoll does not publish separate processing times for portal and paper applications, although a portal submission removes postal transit time and lets you follow the status of your application under 'Vorgänge'.

There is no fee for applying for an EORI number.

Important note: Do not submit an application one day before you ship your goods. The application for customs registration may look simple, but any missing information or mismatch in business registration details could cause delays in the process and impact your shipments.

How to Find a Company's EORI Number in Germany? Step by Step Guide

If you want to find the EORI number of your own company, you can do so on Germany's customs portal. You can log in to the customs portal and open the EORI number management page.

Your account is usually linked to an EORI number. You can also contact the German Customs Service Desk for help. 

If you need to find any other company's EORI number in Germany, you cannot do it simply by company name on a public domain. European Union privacy and database rules don't allow anyone to search an EORI number. Only the validation of the existing EORI number is allowed on the official tool. 

However, you can find a company's EORI number with the following steps and verify it:

1. Check the Company's Customs Documents

Look at the previous import or export declarations, paperwork like customs clearance, commercial invoices, pro forma invoices, packing lists, or shipping instructions to find the EORI number of a business. 

2. Directly Request the EORI Number

Contact the company's logistics, customs or finance team. Its customs representative or freight forwarder should be able to tell you the EORI number. This is straightforward way to get the correct number.

3. Use the EORI Validation Tool

Once you get the EORI number, verify it through the European Commission's official EORI validation tool. You can compare it with the company's name and address to ensure the correctness.

Conclusion

An EORI number is one of the basic requirements for companies engaged in customs operations in Germany. It is a unique customs identifier used for imports, exports, and other customs activities and is valid across the entire EU.

However, for international trade, receiving the number is only the beginning of the process. It should be accurately entered in your ERP, customs, and shipping software. Verify the EORI numbers of the suppliers and customers prior to use, especially when a shipment is time-sensitive.

The Zoll-Portal route is already available today and becomes mandatory on 1 October 2026, so businesses should make sure well in advance that they hold the digital identification credentials needed to register and apply.