If a business imports or exports goods in the European Union, there is one number it will hear about sooner or later: the EORI number. For companies operating through the Netherlands, getting this number is an important part of handling customs and international trade.

An EORI number identifies a business when it deals with customs authorities in the EU. Without the right customs identification, importing or exporting goods can become unnecessarily slow and frustrating.

For international founders, the process may sound more complicated than it really is. The key is understanding when an EORI number is needed, who needs one, and how the application works.

What Is an EORI Number in the Netherlands?

EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification.

An EORI number is a unique identification number used by customs authorities across the European Union. Businesses use it when completing customs-related activities, such as importing goods into the EU or exporting products outside the EU.

A company normally uses the same EORI number for its customs activities across the EU rather than applying for a completely different number in every member state.

For a business based in the Netherlands, the number becomes particularly important when goods are moving through Dutch customs.

Who Needs an EORI Number for the Netherlands?

Not every business needs an EORI number simply because it has a Dutch company.

It is mainly relevant to businesses involved in customs activities.

For example, an EORI number may be needed by:

• Importers bringing goods into the EU
• Exporters sending goods outside the EU
• Businesses submitting customs declarations
• E-commerce companies importing products
• Manufacturers purchasing goods from outside the EU
• Logistics and trading companies
• Businesses using customs procedures

A Dutch software company selling digital subscriptions only may have little reason to need one. A Dutch e-commerce company importing products from China, on the other hand, will likely need an EORI number.

That difference is worth understanding before applying.

How to Apply for an EORI Number in the Netherlands

The application process depends on the company’s situation and customs activities.

A business should first determine whether it already has an EORI number. Companies sometimes assume they need a new number when one has already been assigned.

If an application is required, the business generally needs to provide accurate company information and details connected with its registration.

Typical information can include:

• Company name
• Registered business details
• Dutch registration information
• Contact information
• Relevant customs information

Getting the company details right matters. A small mismatch between business registration information and customs records can create unnecessary back-and-forth.

For companies that want support with the process, FirmNL provides EORI number Netherlands services for international businesses dealing with Dutch and EU operations.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EORI Number?

The timing can vary depending on the application and the circumstances of the business.

This is why companies should not leave the application until the day before their first shipment.

Imagine an online retailer that has just signed a contract with a supplier outside the EU. The products are ready to ship, but the company has not sorted out its customs setup yet. Suddenly, something that looked like a straightforward shipment becomes a last-minute administrative problem.

It is much better to handle the EORI registration while the business is preparing its import or export process.

For international companies, this is especially important because customs is only one part of entering the Dutch market. Company formation, VAT, banking, accounting, and logistics all need to work together.

Is an EORI Number the Same as a VAT Number?

No. This is a common point of confusion.

A VAT number and an EORI number serve different purposes.

A VAT number is mainly connected with VAT taxation and business transactions. An EORI number is used for customs identification.

A company can therefore have both numbers, but they are not interchangeable.

For example, an international e-commerce company operating in the Netherlands may need VAT registration for its taxable activities while also requiring an EORI number for importing physical products from outside the EU.

Keeping these registrations separate in the company’s records makes administration much easier.

What Businesses Should Know Before Importing Goods

Getting an EORI number is only one part of preparing for international trade.

Businesses should also think about:

• Import VAT
• Customs duties
• Product classification
• Customs declarations
• Import documentation
• Shipping arrangements
• VAT compliance
• Warehousing
• Transport within the EU

This becomes even more important when a company is establishing its first Dutch operation.

For example, a US-based consumer goods company opening a Dutch business may need a local corporate structure before it can properly manage its European operations. In that situation, Dutch BV formation services can be part of the wider setup process.

The important thing is to look at the whole supply chain rather than treating the EORI application as an isolated task.

Do Foreign Companies Need an EORI Number in the Netherlands?

Foreign companies can also need an EORI number when carrying out customs activities in the EU.

The exact requirements depend on how the company operates, where it is established, and who is responsible for the customs procedure.

This is where international businesses sometimes get stuck. They may already have a company in the US, UK, Asia, or another country and assume that their existing business registration automatically covers EU customs.

It doesn’t necessarily work that way.

A company expanding into Europe should review its customs responsibilities before goods start moving.

The same applies to companies comparing where to establish their European operation. The Netherlands is often considered alongside other European markets, and the choice can affect logistics, administration, and market access. A broader Netherlands vs France vs Belgium business comparison can help founders understand some of the structural differences between these markets.

Common EORI Mistakes to Avoid

Most EORI problems are not particularly dramatic. They are usually small administrative mistakes that become annoying at exactly the wrong time.

Some common issues include:

• Applying when the business already has an EORI number
• Entering incorrect company information
• Confusing the EORI number with VAT registration
• Waiting until goods are ready to ship
• Not checking who is responsible for customs
• Assuming a foreign registration automatically solves EU customs requirements

A little preparation can prevent most of these headaches.

Final Thoughts

An EORI number is a basic but important requirement for many businesses involved in importing and exporting goods through the European Union.

For companies operating in the Netherlands, getting the correct customs identification early can make international shipments much easier to manage.

However, EORI registration should not be viewed on its own. Businesses also need to consider VAT, company structure, customs procedures, logistics, and ongoing compliance.

For international founders, getting these pieces organised before trading starts is usually the smarter move. It saves time, avoids last-minute customs problems, and gives the business a much cleaner foundation for growing across the European market.