Does the United States issue an EORI number?

No. CBP’s systems cannot process EU EORI numbers for U.S. import entries. For U.S. trade you use Importer of Record identity, typically your EIN.

What should U.S. businesses use instead of an EORI number?

For most U.S. entities, use your IRS EIN as your importer identity. For non-U.S. entities, CBP may assign a CBP importer identification number using CBP Form 5106.

Do I need an EORI number to ship to the U.S.?

Typically, no — EORI is an EU customs identifier. For U.S. entry, your customs documentation uses the relevant U.S. importer identification number instead.

When do U.S. companies need an EU or UK EORI?

If you import into the EU or UK, or export goods where European customs declarations require EORI, you must apply for an EU/UK EORI through the authority tied to where your business is established.

How do I validate my EORI if I’m EU-based but shipping to the U.S.?

Validate your EU EORI using the EORI checker . Your U.S. documentation will still use CBP importer identity for U.S. entry.

United States (USA) EORI Number — Apply, Check & Requirements

Format & example

No EORI issued for U.S. import entries. Use a U.S. Importer of Record number (commonly EIN/SSN) and CBP importer identification.

Check an EORI number EORI format hub

Authority & validation

Issuing authority U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Processing time Varies by application type and port/broker workflow.
Validation method US customs uses CBP systems (Importer of Record identity) rather than EU EOS EORI validation.

Check an EORI number

Free validation on our website

Notes & what to watch out for

The EU EORI system is for customs declarations in EU member states. For shipments into the United States, U.S. customs uses Importer of Record identity (commonly your EIN) rather than EU EORI.

If you need an EU/UK EORI for importing or exporting in Europe, apply through the relevant EU member state or HMRC based on where your business is established.

Does the United States use EORI numbers?

No. The EORI system belongs to the EU (and, in parallel form, the UK) — the United States does not issue EORI numbers at all. When goods are imported into the US, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) identifies the importer of record by its EIN (Employer Identification Number), or a Social Security Number for individuals, registered with CBP on Form 5106.

Where US businesses do meet the EORI system is on the European side of a shipment. If your US company is the exporter of record into the EU or UK — for example, selling DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to European customers, or holding stock in a European warehouse — the European declaration needs an EORI:

For EU imports: a non-established business can request an EORI from the customs authority of the member state where it first lodges a declaration — commonly the Netherlands, Germany or Ireland for US companies.
For UK imports: apply to HMRC for a GB EORI; non-UK businesses can register too. See our UK EORI guide.
Using an agent: alternatively, an EU/UK-established indirect customs representative can act for you under their own EORI — usual for occasional shipments.

The full application walkthrough for both territories is in our how to get an EORI number guide.