If an issue with obtaining EORI# | ENS filing | Difference Between ICS2 & ENS | Source of the Information 

What is an EORI Number? Who Needs It and How to Apply.

All cargo entering or transiting through the European Union must be reported via an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), which provides Customs authorities with detailed shipment data in advance. The proof of filing ENS is a valid MRN (Movement Reference Number).

Filing ENS requires a valid EORI number

An EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is a unique identifier that is mandatory for customs clearance within the European Union's customs territory. It is required for all customs-related activities, including export, import, and transit procedures. This means that if you are shipping goods from the USA to any country within the EU, having an EORI number—either for yourself or your EU-based business partner—is essential for international shipping compliance.

The EORI number enables customs authorities to track and process shipments efficiently, ensuring smooth communication across EU Member States. It also serves statistical and security purposes, helping to streamline international trade processes.

Who Needs an EORI Number for Shipping Goods from the USA?

If you are an economic operator established within the European Union, you are required to have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number. However, U.S.-based exporters—or any economic operators not established in the EU customs territory—also need to register for an EORI number if they intend to engage in customs activities within the EU. This includes:

• Filing customs declarations (export/import)
• Submitting Entry Summary (ENS) or Exit Summary (EXS) declarations
• Filing documentation for temporary storage
• Acting as a carrier involved in international shipping to or from the EU

Even individuals who are not considered economic operators may need to obtain an EORI number if required under specific national laws or EU regulations.

Where Can You Request an EORI Number?

Only one customs authority in the EU is responsible for issuing your EORI number.

• If you are established in the EU, you must register through the national customs authority of the EU Member State where your business is located.
• If you are shipping goods from the USA and your business has no EU establishment, you must register in the Member State where you first plan to perform a customs-related activity, such as lodging a declaration or applying for a customs decision.
• If your U.S.-based business has multiple permanent establishments in the EU, you may choose any of those Member States to register for your EORI number.

In short, if you're involved in shipping goods from the USA to the EU, having or coordinating with a party that has a valid EORI number is a key part of international shipping and customs clearance procedures.

If you experience difficulties in obtaining an EORI number

U.S. consolidators are required to have an EORI number, regardless of whether the shipment is exempt from submitting an ENS. That's because a potential issue with the MRN number related to a single shipment in a shared container may result in a problem with the entire container. If you didn't file a shipment in ICS2 and ENS and didn't provide a valid MRN, you must provide the consignee's EORI number for the carrier to file ICS2 and ENS.

If, for some reason, you experience difficulties in obtaining an EORI number, we can suggest the following:

• Contact a EU customs broker for assistance.
• Provide proof from an EU government entity stating that you do not need an EORI#. This can be a copy of your email communication with the customs authorities of the EU country, showing the confirmation and contact information of the government entity.
• Ask a trusted person or business in the EU for permission using their EORI #. In that case, you must request that we change your consignee to their name.
• Contact the carrier's destination agents for permission to use their EROI #.

Here’s a simple message you can send to an EU customs broker:

“Hello, I’m based in the United States and preparing to ship via LCL freight [briefly describe your goods] to [insert EU country]. I need assistance with obtaining an EORI number. Can you act as my representative or guide me through the registration process? Please let me know the next steps and required documentation. Thank you.”

Here’s a sample of a message you can send to an EU government entity:

Dear [Customs Officer's Name / Customs Department],

I am writing to request clarification regarding the requirement for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number for private individuals shipping personal belongings from the USA to [EU Country Name].

As a private person (non-business), I ship used household goods and personal property for non-commercial purposes. I would greatly appreciate your confirmation on whether, under current EU customs regulations, individuals in my situation are exempt from obtaining an EORI number.

If any supporting documentation or declaration is required instead, I would be grateful if you could advise on the appropriate process.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your guidance.

Here’s how to contact the carrier's agent:

The agent's contact information is included in our shipping instructions.

❗ IMPORTANT: When contacting the agent, please use their name, provide the name of the U.S. carrier (cargo consolidator) used for your shipment, and include the consolidator's booking number. Otherwise, the agent may ignore your inquiry.

✔ The carrier (cargo consolidator) is NOT AMID Logistics. The name of the carrier and the names of their destination agents, as well as the booking number, are displayed on your Dock Recept.

If you got the permission, send us proof of that. It can be a copy of your email communication with the agent.

Here’s a simple message you can send to your carrier's agent:

“Dear [name the carrier's agent],

I’m in the United States and shipping via LCL freight [briefly describe your goods] to [insert EU country].

I ship it with the U.S. cargo consolidator [name your ocean carrier: Troy Container Line, ECU Worldwide, etc.], where you act as their destination agent. My shipment booking number is [insert your carrier's booking number. Do not confuse with AMID's reference number.]

May I use your EORI number so that [name your ocean carrier] can file the shipment in ICS2 and ENS and obtain MRN?

I would greatly appreciate your permission and look forward to your further assistance once my goods arrive at their destination."

Sources of the Information

• The primary source of the information is the European Taxation and Customs Union website.
• To check the validity of an EORI Number, please follow ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en