If an issue with filing | A quick guide | EU Customs websites

Shipping from the U.S. to or via European Union countries requires EORI and MRN numbers.

As of April 1, 2025, all international shipments destined for or transiting through European Union countries, including Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland, must be declared with ENS. EORI and MRN numbers must be included on the Bill of Lading. Watch the short video on YouTube about the EORI number.

ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is an advanced filing system that the European Union has made mandatory for all imports to the EU. A related party must obtain an EORI #, fill out ENS, and provide the MRN # no later than 24 hours before the vessel sails. 

***If the EORI and MRN numbers are not provided, cargo will be refused loading onto the vessel, remain on hold, and incur storage charges.***

Carriers' assistance in ENS filing

Carriers (cargo consolidators) can assist you in ENS filing and obtaining an MRN # for a fee. However, when shipping from the U.S. to an EU country, your consignee must apply for and provide you with an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. It is mandatory.

Carriers give you the option of self-filing or allowing them to file the ENS on your behalf for a fee, and request that you provide them with the following:

If your cargo’s final destination is located in a European Union Country.

Self-Filing:
Shipper EORI #
Consignee EORI #
Proof of MRN #

Carrier Filing:
$50 Filing Fee Confirmation*
Consignee EORI #
PROOF OF MRN# WILL BE PROVIDED ONCE ENS FILED

If your cargo is transshipping in a European Union Country, but the final destination is NOT in European Union territory:

Self-Filing:
Shipper EORI #
Proof of MRN #

Carrier Filing
$50 Filing Fee Confirmation*

*The fee is not included in freight quotes obtained online.

To clarify the carriers' requirements above, please clearly outline the carriers' requirements for shipping to or transshipping through countries in the European Union.

A. Shipping to a European Union country: If your shipment is headed directly to the country, YOUR CONSIGNEE MUST APPLY FOR AN EORI # AND PROVIDE IT TO YOU. They only need to apply for this number once, and they can use the EORI # for all future shipments, regardless of the EU country where they receive imports.

As soon as you get the consignee's EORI #, carriers can file your shipment in the ENS and obtain your MRN number for a $50 fee.

B. Trasshipping via a European Union country: If your shipment is not destined for a country in the European Union but involves transshipment via an EU country, you can apply for your own shipper's EORI number and file shipments in the ENS using MRN numbers.

Alternatively, if you prefer, the carrier can file it under their shipper's EORI number and obtain your MRN for a fee of approximately $50.

Watch this 3-minute video on YouTube about the EU ENS filing regarding shipping goods from the USA to or via EU countries.

The guide on obtaining European Union EORI and MRN Numbers.

Step 1: Apply for an EU EORI Number

1. Visit the customs website of the EU country where your goods will be imported.
2. Register for an account.
3. Fill out the EORI application form as an individual or business.
4. Submit the required documents, such as a passport or ID (for individuals) or a business registration (for companies).
5. Receive your EORI number via email or in your account, typically within several days.

Step 2:

Option A. Provide us your Consignee EORI number, and confirm that you agree to pay the $50 sea freight carrier's MRN# filing fee. THEN WE WILL REQUEST THE SEA FREIGHT CARRIER TO OBTAIN MRN# and show it on your ocean freight bill of lading.

Option B. Submit an Import Declaration in the European country to obtain and provide the PROOF OF MRN#.

1. Prepare import documents, including invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
2. Choose how to file the declaration:
- Use the online customs system of the EU country.
- Hire a EU customs broker.
3. Submit a declaration, providing your EORI number.
4. Receive the MRN (Movement Reference Number) once the declaration is processed, and PROVIDE IT TO US FOR FORWARDING TO THE SEA FREIGHT CARRIER.

The list of countries that require filing an ENS for international shipping from the USA.

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Northern Ireland
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

The list of official customs websites for EU countries

Here is where you can apply for an EORI number and obtain an MRN (for reference only):

EU Customs Websites by Country

Here are the official customs websites for Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland, where you can apply for an EORI number and obtain an MRN:

Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland Customs Websites

Notes on These Countries:

• Norway and Switzerland are not members of the EU, but they have their own customs regulations under the EEA and EFTA agreements. They do not use the EU’s EORI system but have their own business and importer registration requirements.
• Northern Ireland follows both UK and EU customs rules, depending on whether goods are moving to or from Great Britain (UK) or the EU. Depending on their trade routes, importers and exporters in Northern Ireland may need a UK EORI (GB) and/or an EU EORI (XI).