Businesses advised to apply for GB Economic Operator Registration and Identification number

Businesses are advised to apply for GB Economic Operator Registration and Identification number.

Businesses who trade within the EU can now apply online for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI), which will be needed in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal in place.

In the event of Britain making a ‘no deal’ exit from the European Union, businesses will need to apply the same processes to EU trade that apply when trading with the rest of the world. Apply to get an EORI here.

The number (beginning GB) allows you to:

• Trade goods into or out of the UK.
• Submit declarations using software (or allow your agent to make them on your behalf).
• Apply to be authorised for customs simplifications and procedures.

You don’t already need to apply for an EORI if:

• You already have one because you have traded with countries outside of the EU.
• You will only import or export goods with Ireland across the Northern Ireland border (further HMRC guidance is awaited on this).
• You will only import or export services that do not involve moving physical goods.

Colin Laidlaw, VAT and Duty Director, warns: “It can take up to three days to get a number, so if you haven’t applied already, I would advise you to get one to make sure you are covered for every possibility, especially given the high level of uncertainty at the moment. If you have an EORI which doesn’t begin with GB, you can continue to use it in the event of no deal, but for a temporary period and further information will be provided by HMRC.”