EORI Number in Northern Ireland

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number identifies your business to customs across the EU. This page explains the Northern Ireland EORI format, how to get one from HMRC (Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework), and lets you validate any number instantly.

Note: XI EORIs are for trade involving Northern Ireland and are validated via the EU EORI service.

Northern Ireland EORI format

An XI EORI is XI followed by the trader identifier — issued by HMRC for businesses moving goods to or from Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.

How to get an EORI number in Northern Ireland

1. Confirm your business is established in Northern Ireland (or has the required customs registration there).
2. Apply to HMRC via gov.uk — you need a GB EORI first, and you must be eligible to move goods to or from Northern Ireland.
3. Have your GB EORI, VAT number (if registered), company name and address ready.
4. Receive your EORI number — usually within a few working days — and validate it below before your first declaration.

Official source: HMRC (Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework).

Cost, validity and processing time

• An XI EORI is free of charge from HMRC.
• You must already hold a GB EORI before HMRC will issue an XI one.
• It is used for declarations involving Northern Ireland, where EU customs rules apply under the Windsor Framework — which is why XI numbers validate in the EU EORI service.
• Issue usually takes a few working days once eligibility is confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need both a GB and an XI EORI?

If you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland (or from NI into the EU), yes: the GB EORI covers GB declarations, and the XI EORI covers movements under EU rules in Northern Ireland.

Do I need an EORI number to import into Northern Ireland?

Yes. Any business lodging a customs declaration in Northern Ireland — importing or exporting goods — needs a valid EORI number registered with the customs authority.

Where do I register for an EORI number in Northern Ireland?

EORI numbers for Northern Ireland are issued by HMRC (Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework). You apply through their online customs registration service.

How do I check if an EORI number is valid?

Use the free EORI checker on this page. It validates the number in real time against the official European Commission EORI service and returns the registered trader where publicly consented.

Related tools

EORI ValidatorTariff & duty lookupHS Classifier

EORI numbers in other countries

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This page provides general guidance only — it is not legal or customs advice and may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm EORI requirements and validate any EORI number with the official European Commission EORI service and the relevant national customs authority before relying on them.