How to get an EORI number in France: the step-by-step guide

What is the EORI number and what is it for?

The EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) is the unique identifier of every operator with the customs authorities of the European Union. It was introduced by Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 establishing the Union Customs Code and feeds the central EOS database, which ensures the traceability of operators across the 27 Member States. An operator holds a single EORI number, valid throughout the Union.

EORI, SIREN/SIRET and VAT number: do not confuse them

Three identifiers coexist in France, each with a distinct role:

• SIREN / SIRET: issued by Insee, used to identify the company (legal entity or establishment)
• Intra-Community VAT number: issued by the DGFiP, used for intra-EU trade and VAT
• EORI: issued by French Customs (DGDDI), used for customs formalities with non-EU countries

When is the EORI number required?

The EORI number is mandatory from the very first import or export customs formality. In France, it is the entry key to the customs online procedures:

• Delta: the online customs clearance of goods
• NSTI / NCTS: the new computerised transit system
• ICS2 / ECS: the safety and security formalities on import and export
• Intellectual property: filing an application for action against counterfeit goods

EORI SIREN: the ongoing French reform

Since 5 April 2023, French Customs has issued the EORI on the basis of the SIREN (9 digits) rather than the SIRET (14 digits). The aim is to comply with the European principle of uniqueness (a single EORI per legal entity), whereas France previously assigned several EORI numbers per establishment.

The exclusive use of the EORI SIREN is scheduled for 1 January 2026, with the gradual deactivation of the old EORI SIRET numbers during the second half of 2026, according to the French Customs timetable.

Non-EU companies: the representation requirement

A company established outside the Union (USA, China, United Kingdom, Switzerland) cannot clear customs on its own in France: it must use a customs representative established in the EU. British businesses that want to store and sell in the EU will find the full journey in our dedicated guide.

Two concepts should not be mixed up:

• the customs representative, who carries out the customs clearance formalities (direct or indirect representation, within the meaning of Article 18 of the Union Customs Code);
• the fiscal representative, who handles import VAT and the related reporting obligations.

Tutorial: applying for your EORI on SOPRANO, step by step

Step 1: access the online service

• Log in to douane.gouv.fr and open the SOPRANO service (or SOPRANO-Simplified Access if you do not hold the Customs Operator status).
• The EORI is granted free of charge and only through SOPRANO-EORI. Be wary of paid private websites.

Step 2: complete the EORI form

1. Select the EORI online service.
2. For companies established outside the EU: direct the application to the relevant unit of the Economic Action Pole (the "customs representation" cell).
3. Fill in the form and attach the supporting documents (Kbis extract or equivalent, proof that France will be the Member State of your first customs operation).

Brexit and cross-Channel trade: EORI FR versus EORI GB

Brexit restored a strict customs border: a French EORI is useless in the United Kingdom, and vice versa.

• France to UK flows: an EORI FR is required on export, an EORI GB is required on import.
• Northern Ireland case: its special status allows an intra-Community supply for goods; however, an import from a non-EU country into Northern Ireland requires an EORI GB.