EORI numbers will enable businesses to be identified by Customs authorities when trading with EU Member States. Without the unique ID number, a business will not be able to continue trading with the EU.
“There can be no time for delay” says Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid, “This will help ease the flow of goods at border points and support businesses to trade and grow”.
An extra GBP2.1 billion was allocated to Government departments last month, preparing the UK for a no deal exit. As part of the cash injection, border and customs operations will receive GBP344 million.
After receiving an EORI number, businesses will have to either complete customs declarations themselves, or employ a customs agent to do it for them. Traders will also need to decide whether to apply for Transitional Simplified Procedures to make it easier to import goods from the EU.
Businesses that aren’t VAT-registered will still have to apply for an EORI number. HMRC advises businesses to contact HMRC if unsure that they have received one.
