What is an EORI number? Everything Amazon sellers need to know
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- Mandatory for customs: The EORI number is your primary identification number for customs when handling commercial imports and exports with non-EU countries (e.g., China, the USA, or the UK).
- Avoid costly risks: If you are missing this number during import, customs will block your goods. This leads to daily storage fees, out-of-stock situations on Amazon, and the loss of input tax deductions on import VAT.
- Apply for free: You can apply for an EORI number directly and free of charge online via German customs. It is best to do this immediately after registering your business.
- Seamless accounting with Amainvoice: While the EORI number enables the import, Amainvoice automates the accounting that follows—from pro forma invoices for FBA inventory transfers to preparing import VAT data.
The EORI number is your unique identification number for customs within the European Union. You are required to have one to commercially import goods from or export goods to non-EU countries (such as China, the USA, or the UK).
What exactly is an EORI number?
EORI stands for "Economic Operators Registration and Identification." Think of it as a tax ID that is used exclusively for communication with customs authorities. Without an EORI number, customs cannot clearly identify your shipment as belonging to your company, which leads to delays or inquiries.
The number is issued once and is valid throughout the entire EU. In Germany, it consists of the country code DE and your tax number or ID structure together. You can apply for it online free of charge via customs. Since processing can take a few days, you should take care of this immediately after registering your business.
Why is it important for Amazon sellers?
For you as an Amazon seller, the EORI number is not just a nice-to-have, but the foundation of your international business. If you ship goods to or import them from non-EU countries and do not have an EORI number, the following will happen:
- Shipment hold: Your shipment will be held up at customs.
- Storage costs: You will pay daily fees for storage at the customs port or airport.
- Loss of input tax deduction: Without a correct EORI number on your customs documents, you often cannot claim the import VAT paid from the tax office.
This topic is particularly important for Amazon FBA: If you send your goods to warehouses outside the EU (e.g., to the UK) or source them from there, you are participating in international trade. Authorities also require this identification when transferring goods between EU warehouses and non-EU countries (such as Switzerland or the UK).
Practical example: Importing from China
Imagine you sell ergonomic mouse pads on Amazon. You order 1,000 units from a manufacturer in Shenzhen (China). The goods arrive in Frankfurt by air freight.
Customs scans the shipping documents. If your EORI number is missing, customs cannot assign the shipment to your company. Your mouse pads remain stuck while your Amazon inventory drops to "0" (out of stock). The goods will only be cleared once you provide the number. With an EORI number on file, however, this process runs fully automatically and smoothly.
Logistics check: Imports from non-EU countries are usually the first step before Fulfillment by Amazon. Find out which logistics model (FBA or FBM) is most profitable for your imported goods here: FBA, FBM, PAN-EU: Which Amazon model fits your business?
How does Amainvoice help me?
Correct customs processing is just the first step. Next comes the accounting challenge – and that is where Amainvoice comes in.
Amainvoice ensures that your cross-border sales and movement of goods are documented in a legally compliant manner:
- Automated pro forma invoices: When you move goods between different countries via Amazon FBA, Amainvoice automatically creates the necessary documents for your accounting.
- Complete data records: We consolidate all transactions so that your tax advisor has all the facts readily available for import VAT filings.
- Compliance for exports: Sales to non-EU countries (e.g., Switzerland or the UK) are correctly identified by Amainvoice as tax-exempt export deliveries and are clearly stated on your invoices.
Are you ready to finally automate your Amazon accounting and ensure that all customs and tax regulations are met?
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This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Please consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your individual situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the EORI Number
What is an EORI number and when do Amazon sellers need one?
The EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is your unique customs identification number within the EU. As an Amazon seller, you are required to have one as soon as you commercially import goods from non-EU countries (e.g., production in China) or export to them. Without this number, customs cannot assign your shipment to your company.
Where and how can I apply for an EORI number?
The application is completely free and is processed online via the German customs website. In Germany, the number consists of the country code "DE" combined with your tax number or ID structure. Since processing by customs can take a few days, you should submit your application immediately after registering your business.
What are the consequences of importing without an EORI number for my FBA business?
Without an EORI number, your goods will be held at customs. This results in daily storage fees at the airport or port, and you risk your Amazon listings going "out of stock" due to a lack of inventory. Another major risk: If the EORI number is missing from customs documents, you often cannot claim the import VAT paid as input tax from the tax office.
How does Amainvoice support tax and accounting processes after import?
The EORI number governs the import of goods through customs, while Amainvoice handles the subsequent accounting. Our software automatically creates pro forma invoices for cross-border FBA inventory transfers, provides your tax advisor with all the data needed for import VAT filings, and correctly identifies sales to third countries (such as the UK or Switzerland) as tax-exempt export deliveries.
