Contents
- What is an EORI Number, and When is it Required?
- Step-by-step guide to obtaining an EORI number in Spain
- Who Needs an EORI Number?
- EORI Number – Your Gateway to Trade with the EU
If your business is engaged in international trade, particularly with the European Union, you're probably already familiar with the concept of an EORI number. It's not just a minor detail — without it, your shipments could be delayed at the border for weeks, leading to financial losses, lost contracts, and a damaged reputation. So, how can you avoid such issues? In this article, we'll break down what an EORI number is, who needs it, and how you can obtain it in Spain.
What is an EORI Number, and When is it Required?
EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique identifier for companies and entrepreneurs trading with the EU. It is necessary for customs authorities to quickly identify traders, control imports and exports, and fight fraud.
Imagine you have shipped a container of goods to Spain. When you go through customs, it turns out that your company does not have an EORI number. The shipment is delayed, you have to pay for storage, lose your contract and incur losses. To avoid such problems, applying for an EORI in advance is essential.
Without an EORI number:
- Importing or exporting goods within the EU becomes illegal.
- Customs clearance cannot be processed, leading to your shipment being blocked.
- There may be extra penalties and delays, causing significant financial losses.
Important! The EORI number is not required for shipment and delivery of goods within the territory of the European Union. The numbers aren’t only necessary for large corporations. Small businesses, such as sole traders selling goods online to the EU or logistics companies, must obtain one. The rules differ slightly for individuals: they only need an EORI number after completing more than five transactions between EU countries.
Remember that the EORI number is valid across the entire European Union. Therefore, once your company is registered in one EU country, you don’t need to register in other EU states. However, if you operate in non-EU countries, you must register separately in each one.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining an EORI number in Spain
Obtaining an EORI number in Spain for legal entities is simple and available to residents and non-residents. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary steps:
Step 1. Register Your Company. Before applying for an EORI number, ensure your company is officially registered with the Spanish tax authorities (if this hasn’t been done already). This is a mandatory step, as tax registration forms the foundation for the entire process. The experts at Laduchi Consult can assist with setting up your company in Spain, whether you’re doing it in person or remotely. You can find more details on how to register your company here.
Step 2. Prepare Documents. To apply for an EORI number, your company will need to provide several documents, including:
- Company Tax Number (NIF) – the primary identifier for tax authorities.
- Documents proving the legitimacy of the business, such as the company’s charter, incorporation documents, and licenses (if required for certain activities).
- Identification details of the company owners or directors – passport information or other official identification documents.
Step 3. Submit Your Application. You can submit your application either online, via the official platforms, or in person at local tax offices in Spain. Online submission can significantly expedite the process, but you can also visit the office if you prefer. Alternatively, you can rely on Laduchi Consult to handle the submission for you.
Step 4. Receive Your EORI Number. Once you’ve submitted your application, the tax authorities will review your documents. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your case and verification procedures. Once approved, you’ll receive your EORI number and confirmation of your registration.
Important Notice!!
If your company is registered as a Sociedad Limitada (S.L.) or Sociedad Anónima (S.A.), it’s likely that your EORI number has already been issued, and it will be the same as your tax number. In this case, you don’t need to apply for a new EORI number, as it’s already in the system. By checking the European Commission's website, you can verify whether your company already has an EORI number.
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Who Needs an EORI Number?
An EORI number is essential for businesses directly involved in shipping goods and for anyone participating in the international supply chain. For example, it’s crucial for companies handling large-scale international projects or complex logistics operations, including goods manufacturing and processing.
- Importers. Companies importing goods into the EU must have an EORI number for customs clearance, even if they do not sell goods directly within the EU but only redistribute or process them.
- Exporters. Companies sending goods from the EU to third countries.
- Transport Companies. Businesses transporting goods between the EU and other countries.
- Logistics Providers. Companies offering logistics services on international routes.
- Manufacturers and Processors. If your business involves processing or redistributing goods imported into the EU for further processing or export, you also need an EORI number.
EORI Number – Your Gateway to Trade with the EU
An EORI number is a fundamental requirement for any business working with the EU. Without it, your goods may face customs delays, and clearing them through customs will take much longer. An EORI number speeds up all processes and gives you unrestricted access to EU markets.
Looking to get your EORI number quickly and without complications?
The Laduchi Consult team can assist you in obtaining an EORI number, registering your business in Spain, and handling all necessary licensing procedures. We offer quick and efficient solutions with minimal bureaucracy.
Please note that all materials contained on this site have been prepared for informational purposes only. This data does not constitute or replace professional financial, legal or tax advice. The information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Always seek professional advice from officially licensed professionals: financial advisors, accountants and lawyers.
