EORICheck

Validation

Validate an EORI number online

EORI validation checks whether a complete number is registered, not just whether its format looks correct. Enter the full EU-27 or XI EORI in the checker below, including its assigned country prefix. Read the TAXUD status, source and check time together; an unavailable service leaves the check incomplete.

Search intent

Validate an EORI number online and interpret a valid, invalid or unavailable response before a customs filing.

Run a live check

Include the country prefix: GB, XI, DE, FR…

GB numbers use HMRC; XI and EU-27 numbers use the European Commission EORI service (TAXUD). EORICheck is an independent tool and does not issue official certifications. Checking a Northern Ireland number? Read the GB and XI EORI number check guide.

Source

EU-27 and XI: European Commission TAXUD

Use case

Customs, onboarding and shipment QA.

Coverage

This guide focuses on XI and the 27 EU member states.

Limit

Independent tool, not official certification.

How to validate an EORI number

Enter the complete EU-27 or XI EORI in the checker above, keeping its assigned country prefix. EORICheck shows the TAXUD status, source and timestamp; a result may come from the register or a recent cached response.

  • Paste the full EORI, including its two-letter country prefix; do not substitute a VAT or company number.
  • Run the check and record the status with the TAXUD source and check time when the decision matters.
  • If the result is invalid or not found, confirm the number and prefix with the counterparty before filing.
  • If the service is unavailable, retry later or use the official TAXUD link in the sources panel; unavailable is not the same as invalid.

Check the format before checking registration

The European Commission describes an EU EORI as the issuing country code followed by up to 15 alphanumeric characters. A number can match that format and still fail the register check: format and registration are separate checks.

  • Use the full EORI, not only a VAT or company number fragment.
  • Keep the country prefix assigned by the issuing customs authority; do not change it to the shipment destination.
  • Retry later if the official service is temporarily unavailable.

EORI validation: valid, invalid or unavailable?

Read the status with its source and timestamp before acting. A cached response describes the recorded check, not a new confirmation from customs.

  • Valid: the source returned the EORI as registered. This does not certify that the person presenting it is authorized to represent the business.
  • Invalid or not found: confirm the complete EORI with the counterparty, check for transcription errors and use the official validation service before relying on it.
  • Unavailable or error: no registration conclusion was established. Retry later or use the official source; do not record a service failure as an invalid EORI.

What to keep from an EORI validation result

Keep the checked number, registration status, source and check time together with the supplier or shipment record. A saved result describes that check; it is not a permanent approval or an official certificate.

  • Number: retain the complete EORI and the country prefix supplied by the business.
  • Status: distinguish valid, invalid or not found from error or unavailable. An incomplete check needs follow-up, not an invalid label.
  • Source and time: record TAXUD and the original check time, including when a result is served from cache. Refresh a stale result before relying on it for a new decision.

Escalation rule

If a high-value shipment, regulated product or deadline depends on the result, use the lookup as a first pass and confirm through official customs channels.

FAQ

How do I validate an EORI number online?+

Enter the complete EU-27 or XI EORI above, run the check, and review the TAXUD status, source and timestamp. Keep the result with the customs or onboarding record when it supports a filing decision.

Why can a real company return not valid?+

The number may be mistyped, formatted with the wrong prefix, inactive in the source, or not an EORI even if the company exists.

Does an EORI number expire?+

The European Commission says EORI numbers have no expiration date, but they can be invalidated on request or when the trader stops its business activities. A previous valid result does not replace a new check when you need a current status.

What if EORI validation is unavailable?+

An unavailable service does not establish whether the EORI is valid or invalid. Retry later or follow the official European Commission validation link on this page. If a filing deadline depends on the result, confirm through the relevant customs authority.

Is EORI validation the same as VAT validation?+

No. This guide checks EU-27 and XI EORI registration through TAXUD. VAT registration uses a separate register, VIES. A VAT result does not replace an EORI check; use the complete identifier for the register you need.

Does a cached EORI validation result count as a new check?+

No. A cached result reflects its recorded check time. Read that original time with the status and source, and refresh a stale record before a new operational decision. A service error does not confirm or reject registration.

Does EORICheck issue certificates?+

No. EORICheck is an independent validation interface and does not issue official customs certificates.