Press Releases

If your business plans to import or export goods in the European Union, you may need an EORI number before starting customs activities. One common question among business owners is, how long does it take to get an EORI number? In the Netherlands, the Dutch Customs Administration states that applicants should hear whether their EORI number has been assigned within five working days. The actual process depends on your business situation and the type of application you submit.

For companies that trade internationally, timing matters. A delay in obtaining the required customs identification can affect shipments, supplier arrangements, and delivery schedules. Therefore, it is sensible to start the application before your first shipment is ready.

In this article, we explain the EORI application timeline, the documents you may need, the application process in the Netherlands, and how businesses can prepare for international trade without unnecessary delays.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number in the Netherlands?

For businesses applying through Dutch Customs, the official guidance states that applicants should receive a decision within five working days. This means businesses should plan for approximately one working week, although they should not treat this as a guaranteed approval time.

The timeline may differ depending on whether your company is established in the Netherlands, operates from outside the European Union, or needs to update its registration details.

Here is a quick overview:

The five-working-day timeframe comes from the Dutch Customs Administration. It is important to distinguish between submitting an application, receiving a decision, and confirming that a number is valid for customs operations.

What Is an EORI Number and Why Do Businesses Need It?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identification number used by customs authorities to identify businesses and other eligible operators involved in customs activities.

Companies generally need an EORI number when they carry out relevant customs operations, including importing goods from outside the EU, exporting products to non-EU countries, or submitting customs declarations.

For example, imagine a Dutch company importing electronic components from India. The company or its customs representative may need an EORI number to complete the necessary customs declaration. Without the required identification, customs clearance may be delayed.

An EORI number is different from a VAT number. A VAT number is used for tax purposes, while an EORI number identifies an operator for customs procedures. Having one does not automatically replace the other.

A valid EORI number issued by one EU Member State can generally be used for customs operations across the EU. However, businesses must apply through the appropriate customs authority based on their establishment and circumstances.

Who Needs to Apply for an EORI Number?

Not every company needs to follow the same application process. The correct route depends on where the business is established and who handles its customs declarations.

Businesses that may need an EORI number include:

• Importers bringing goods into the EU from non-EU countries.

• Exporters sending products from the EU to non-EU destinations.

• Companies that submit customs declarations themselves.

• Businesses that appoint a freight forwarder or customs agent to handle declarations on their behalf.

• Foreign businesses conducting customs operations that require EORI registration.

Even a company that imports or exports only occasionally may need an EORI number for the relevant customs activities.

Before starting the process, check whether your company already has a valid EORI number. Applying for another number unnecessarily can create administrative complications.

How to Apply for an EU EORI Number

The application process depends on your business location. Companies established in the Netherlands generally deal with Dutch Customs, while companies established in another EU Member State normally apply through that country's customs authority.

If you need to apply for eu eori registration, follow these practical steps.

Step 1: Confirm Where Your Business Is Established

Start by identifying the country in which your business is established for customs purposes. This determines which customs authority should handle the application.

A Dutch company generally applies through Dutch Customs. A business established in Germany, France, or another EU country should normally contact the customs authority in that country.

Businesses established outside the EU may need to apply in the Member State where they intend to carry out their first relevant customs operation.

Step 2: Check Your Company Registration Details

Make sure your business details are accurate before submitting the application. Depending on your circumstances, you may need your legal company name, registered address, business registration information, and relevant identification or tax numbers.

For a Dutch company, the RSIN may be relevant to the process. A sole proprietorship follows different rules from a Dutch private limited company, known as a BV.

Incorrect company information can lead to questions from the authorities and extend the process.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Complete the applicable form carefully and provide the requested details. If the form asks for supporting documents, make sure they are included in the correct format.

An EORI number is free when obtained through the relevant customs authority. Businesses should be cautious about websites that suggest an official government fee is mandatory.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

After submission, monitor your email and any communication from the customs authority. According to Dutch Customs, applicants should hear whether their number has been assigned within five working days.

If the authority requests further information, respond as quickly as possible. A prompt response can help prevent avoidable delays.

Step 5: Verify Your EORI Number

Once you receive the number, check that it is valid. The European Commission provides an online EORI validation facility for this purpose.

Verification is particularly useful before a shipment leaves the supplier's warehouse. It helps businesses identify registration problems before they interfere with customs procedures.

What Documents Are Required for an EORI Application?

The documents and information required can vary according to the company's location and legal structure. However, businesses should prepare the following details where applicable:

• Registered legal business name.

• Registered business address.

• Company registration details.

• Relevant identification number, such as an RSIN for an eligible Dutch entity.

• VAT identification details, if requested.

• Contact details for the person handling the application.

• Additional documents requested by the relevant customs authority.

Foreign businesses may need to provide evidence of their legal registration in their home country. The exact requirements depend on the application route and the country responsible for issuing the number.

It is better to check the official form before collecting documents. This avoids spending time preparing paperwork that is not required or missing information that the authority needs.

What Can Delay Your EORI Number Application?

Although Dutch Customs provides a five-working-day decision timeframe, businesses should prepare for circumstances that may require additional time.

Incomplete Application Details

Missing information is one of the easiest problems to prevent. If the company name, registered address, or identification details do not match the supporting records, the authority may need clarification.

Review every field before submission. Small mistakes can create unnecessary correspondence.

Incorrect Application Route

Applying through the wrong country's customs authority can cause confusion. The correct route depends on the company's establishment and its intended customs activities.

For example, a company established in another EU Member State would normally apply there rather than simply choosing the Netherlands because it has Dutch customers.

Company Registration Is Not Finished

A business that has not yet completed its legal registration may need to finish that process before it can provide the information required for an EORI application.

This is particularly relevant to foreign founders planning to establish a Dutch company and begin importing goods shortly afterwards.

Changes to Company Details

If a company changes its legal structure or receives a new VAT number following a conversion to a BV, it may need a new EORI number. Dutch Customs specifically advises businesses to check the requirements when their VAT number changes.

Therefore, existing companies should not assume their previous EORI details will always remain suitable after a structural change.

How Setting Up a BV in the Netherlands Can Affect Your Timeline

Foreign entrepreneurs sometimes plan their company registration and EORI application together. This can be a practical approach, but the two processes should not be confused.

Setting up a bv in netherlands involves establishing a Dutch private limited company. The process generally includes arranging the required incorporation documents, working with a Dutch civil-law notary, registering the company, and obtaining the relevant business identification details.

The time required for incorporation varies according to the company's circumstances, the documents available, and the checks involved. The EORI application has its own requirements and timeline.

A business should therefore plan for both processes rather than assuming that the five-working-day EORI timeframe includes company formation.

For example, suppose an entrepreneur in India wants to establish a Dutch BV to import clothing into Europe. The entrepreneur may first need to arrange the incorporation and obtain the required company details. Once the company is properly established, the entrepreneur can assess the applicable EORI application route and prepare for the first shipment.

Planning these steps early makes it easier to coordinate company registration, supplier payments, freight bookings, and customs arrangements.

How International Payments Fit Into the Import and Export Process

Obtaining an EORI number is only one part of preparing for international trade. Businesses must also consider how they will pay overseas suppliers and receive payments from customers.

For example, a Dutch importer purchasing products from India may need to transfer euros or another agreed currency to the supplier. Exchange rates, transfer charges, payment processing times, and bank requirements can all affect the final cost.

This is where foreign exchange solutions for businesses can be useful. Depending on the provider and the company's needs, these solutions may help businesses manage currency conversions, compare transfer costs, and plan payments in different currencies.

However, foreign exchange arrangements do not replace customs registration. An EORI number is used for customs identification, while payment services support the financial side of international trade.

Businesses should coordinate both areas before placing large orders. This is especially important when suppliers require payment before dispatch or when a shipment has a fixed delivery date.

Practical Ways to Avoid Delays Before Your First Shipment

A little preparation can make the process easier. Instead of waiting until goods are ready to leave the supplier, businesses should prepare their customs requirements well in advance.

Here are some practical steps to follow:

• Check whether you need an EORI number: Confirm the requirements for your planned customs activities.

• Confirm your application route: Identify the customs authority responsible for your business.

• Prepare your company information: Keep registration details and identification numbers available.

• Submit the application early: Allow sufficient time before the planned shipment date.

• Check the number's validity: Use the EU validation facility after receiving the number.

• Coordinate with your customs agent: Make sure your freight forwarder has the information required for the declaration.

• Review payment arrangements: Confirm supplier payment dates, currency requirements, and transfer timelines.

• Keep business records up to date: Recheck your registration requirements after changes to your legal structure or relevant identification details.

These steps will not guarantee that every shipment clears without problems. Still, they can reduce the chance of preventable administrative delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get an EORI number in the Netherlands?

Dutch Customs states that applicants should hear whether their EORI number has been assigned within five working days. The actual time may vary if the application requires additional information or clarification.

2. Is an EORI number free?

Yes. Applying for an EORI number through the relevant customs authority is free. Businesses should check official government guidance rather than assuming a third-party service charge is compulsory.

3. Can I use my EORI number in other EU countries?

Generally, yes. An EORI number issued by an EU Member State is valid across the EU for the relevant customs operations. You normally do not need a separate EORI number for every EU country in which you trade.

4. Can a foreign business apply for an EORI number in the Netherlands?

A business established outside the EU may need to apply in the Member State where it intends to carry out its first relevant customs operation. The appropriate route depends on the company's circumstances and intended activities.

5. Can I start importing goods while my EORI application is pending?

It is best to obtain and verify the required EORI number before the relevant customs declaration must be submitted. If the number is required and unavailable, customs processing may be delayed. Check the requirements with Dutch Customs or your customs representative before dispatch.

6. Do I need a new EORI number after changing my company structure?

Not necessarily in every situation, but changes to the legal entity or VAT identification details may require a new number. Dutch Customs advises companies to apply for a new EORI number when their VAT number changes following a conversion to a BV.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to get an EORI number? For an application handled by Dutch Customs, the official expectation is that applicants will hear whether the number has been assigned within five working days. Businesses should still allow additional time for missing documents, registration issues, or other administrative requirements.

If your company plans to trade across European borders, start preparing before the first shipment is arranged. Confirm the correct application route, check your business details, and verify the number once it is issued.

For foreign entrepreneurs, coordinating EORI registration with company incorporation and international payment arrangements can help keep the wider import and export process organised. Early preparation is usually much easier than dealing with paperwork when goods are already waiting for customs clearance.