Do I Need an EORI Number for Personal Imports?

If you've ordered something from outside the EU or UK and a courier suddenly asks for an "EORI number," you're probably wondering whether that's really meant for you — a private person, not a business. The short answer: most of the time you don't need one for ordinary online shopping, but there are specific situations where customs or your courier will insist on it. This guide explains exactly when a private individual needs an EORI number and when you can safely skip it.

What an EORI number actually is

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is an ID used by customs authorities to track who is importing and exporting goods across the EU/UK border. It was designed for economic operators — businesses trading commercially. If you want the full background, see our guide on what an EORI number is.

Because the system is built around business activity, the rules for private individuals are the exception rather than the norm. Whether you need one depends on what you're importing, how often, its value, and which country you're in.

When a private individual does NOT need an EORI number

For the vast majority of consumers, no EORI number is required. You generally don't need one when:

• You buy goods online from a non-EU/UK seller for personal use.
• The shipment is handled by a courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx, PostNL, DPD) who clears customs on your behalf.
• You're a one-off buyer, not importing regularly.
• You're carrying personal belongings in your luggage when travelling.

In these cases the courier or postal operator acts as your customs representative. You'll typically pay import VAT and any duty directly to them before delivery — no EORI needed.

When you DO need an EORI number as a private individual

There are clear cases where customs will expect an EORI, even from someone who isn't running a business:

1. Repeated or frequent imports

If you regularly import goods from outside the EU/UK — for example, buying and reselling online, or importing hobby stock in volume — customs may treat you as an economic operator. At that point an EORI number becomes mandatory, and continuing without one can cause your shipments to be held.

2. High-value shipments

Larger or higher-value consignments often require a full customs declaration rather than the simplified process used for low-value parcels. A full declaration usually needs an EORI number in the importer field. This is common with vehicles, machinery, artwork, or bulk purchases.

3. You clear customs yourself

If you decide to lodge your own customs declaration instead of letting the courier do it — perhaps to control classification or avoid handling fees — you'll be named as the declarant and will need an EORI.

4. Certain member states' rules

Some countries apply the requirement to private individuals more strictly than others (more on this below).

Why couriers ask private individuals for an EORI

Couriers sometimes send an automated email requesting an EORI number before they'll release a parcel. This causes a lot of confusion. Usually one of these applies:

• The shipment value crossed a threshold that triggers a full declaration.
• The goods need a formal import entry (e.g. restricted items).
• The courier's system defaults to asking, even when a private import code could be used instead.

If you're a genuine private buyer, reply and tell them clearly that the import is for personal use. Many carriers can then use a generic private-individual code or an ad-hoc EORI rather than forcing you to register. Don't apply for a business EORI just because a courier email looks urgent — check first.

Ad-hoc and one-off EORI numbers

Several customs authorities allow an ad-hoc EORI (a temporary, one-time number) for private individuals who import only occasionally. This lets a single declaration go through without you registering as a permanent economic operator. Your courier or a customs broker can often arrange this for you.

Country differences: DE, NL and SE

How the rules apply to private individuals varies noticeably between member states.

Because national practice differs, always check what your customs authority and courier require before assuming you must register. When in doubt, ask the courier what code they intend to use.

The UK is a special case

Since Brexit, movements between the UK and the EU are customs borders. Private consumers buying from EU or non-UK sellers usually still have clearance handled by the courier, but the thresholds and paperwork changed. If your imports touch the UK, read our dedicated page on EORI numbers in the UK for the post-Brexit details.

How to check an EORI number

If a seller, courier or broker gives you an EORI number to use — or you've been issued one — you can confirm it's valid before it goes on a declaration. Use our free EORI number checker to verify the format and status in seconds. This avoids parcels being delayed by a typo or an inactive number.

Do you need one? A quick summary

• Ordinary online shopping for personal use — usually no EORI needed; the courier clears it.
• High-value or full-declaration shipments — an EORI (possibly ad-hoc) is likely required.
• Repeated or resale imports — you'll need to register for your own EORI.
• Self-lodged declarations — an EORI is mandatory.

Your next step

Before you register for anything, identify which situation you're in. If it's a one-off personal purchase, reply to your courier stating it's for personal use and ask whether an ad-hoc code can be used. If you're importing regularly or clearing goods yourself, apply for your own EORI through your national customs authority — and validate any number with our EORI number checker before your first declaration goes through.