Consignee EORI Number & IOR Explained (Step-by-Step Guide for Importers)

If you have recently received a message from a courier or freight forwarder saying “Consignee EORI number required” or “IOR number required”, don’t worry—you are not alone. This is a very common situation for small business owners, Etsy/Amazon sellers, exporters, and first-time international buyers.

This detailed guide explains what EORI and IOR numbers are, why courier companies ask for them, how to obtain them step by step, and what future possibilities they open for your business.

1. What Is an EORI Number?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification number.

It is a unique identification number used by customs authorities to track imports and exports across borders.

Why EORI Exists

  • To identify who is importing or exporting goods

  • To process customs clearance smoothly

  • To track taxes, duties, and compliance

  • To prevent fraud and misdeclaration

An EORI number is mandatory in many countries, especially:

  • European Union (EU)

  • United Kingdom (UK)

2. Who Is a Consignee?

A consignee is the person or business receiving the shipment.

So when a courier says:

“Consignee EORI number required”

It means:
👉 The receiver of the goods must provide their EORI number for customs clearance.

3. What Is an IOR (Importer of Record)?

IOR stands for Importer of Record.

The Importer of Record is the legal entity responsible for the imported goods, including:

  • Filing customs documents

  • Paying customs duty and taxes

  • Ensuring the product complies with local laws

IOR Can Be:

  • The buyer (individual or company)

  • A registered business entity

  • A third-party IOR service provider

Many couriers use IOR number interchangeably with tax ID / business registration number.

4. EORI vs IOR – Simple Comparison

AspectEORIIOR
Full FormEconomic Operators Registration & IdentificationImporter of Record
PurposeCustoms identificationLegal responsibility for import
Required ByEU / UK customsGlobal imports
Who Needs ItImporters & exportersWhoever imports goods
Used ForClearance & trackingDuties, compliance & liability

5. Why Courier Companies Ask for EORI / IOR

Courier companies (DHL, FedEx, UPS, Aramex, etc.) ask for these details because:

  • Customs cannot clear shipments without identifying the importer

  • International laws require traceability of goods

  • To calculate import duty, VAT, GST, or customs tax

  • To avoid shipment delays, returns, or penalties

Without EORI or IOR:

  • Shipment may be held at customs

  • Delivery may be delayed or returned

  • Extra storage charges may apply

6. Who Needs an EORI Number?

You need an EORI number if you:

  • Import goods into the EU or UK

  • Export goods from the EU or UK

  • Receive commercial shipments (not personal gifts)

  • Run an online business shipping internationally

Personal vs Commercial Shipments

  • Personal gifts: Often no EORI required (depends on value)

  • Business / resale / bulk items: EORI is mandatory

7. How to Get an EORI Number (Step-by-Step)

A. For EU Countries

  1. Apply in the first EU country where you import goods

  2. Visit the national customs website (e.g., Germany, France, Italy)

  3. Submit:

    • Business registration (if applicable)

    • Tax/VAT number

    • Identity proof

  4. Receive EORI (usually free of cost)

Processing time: 1–7 working days

B. For United Kingdom (UK EORI)

UK EORI format starts with GB.

Steps:

  1. Visit UK Government EORI application portal

  2. Use your:

    • VAT number (if registered)

    • National ID / passport

  3. Submit online application

  4. Receive EORI via email

Processing time: Same day to 3 days

8. How to Get an IOR Number

There is no single global IOR number.

IOR is usually one of the following:

  • Business registration number

  • Tax ID / VAT / GST number

  • National identification number (for individuals)

Options:

Option 1: You Act as IOR

  • Use your business or tax registration

  • You handle duty & compliance

Option 2: Courier as IOR

  • Some couriers offer IOR services (paid)

  • Useful for beginners

Option 3: Third-Party IOR Service

  • Professional IOR providers

  • Ideal for high-value or regulated goods

9. What If You Don’t Have EORI or IOR?

If you don’t provide it:

  • Shipment can be stuck at customs

  • Courier may request documents repeatedly

  • Goods may be returned to origin

  • Extra charges may apply

Best practice: 👉 Apply once and keep it ready for future shipments.

10. Future Possibilities After Getting EORI / IOR

Having EORI & proper IOR status opens many opportunities:

1. Smooth International Trade

  • Faster customs clearance

  • Less dependency on agents

2. Business Expansion

  • Sell confidently to EU & UK markets

  • Import raw materials or finished goods easily

3. Cost Efficiency

  • Lower courier handling charges

  • Avoid repeated documentation fees

4. Brand Trust

  • Recognized as a compliant international seller

  • Builds credibility with overseas buyers

5. Long-Term Scalability

  • Ready for Amazon Global, Etsy international orders

  • Easy VAT & customs integration later

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring courier emails

  • Assuming EORI is optional

  • Using wrong consignee details

  • Mixing personal & business shipments

  • Delaying application until shipment arrives

12. Final Thoughts

EORI and IOR are not obstacles—they are gateways to global trade.

If you are serious about:

  • International shipping

  • Growing your handmade or export business

  • Selling on global platforms

Then applying for EORI and understanding IOR responsibilities is a one-time effort with long-term benefits.

This knowledge not only saves money and time—but also prepares your business for a global future.

Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

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