The Economic Operator Registration and Identification number, or EORI number, is a component of a system used at the level of the European Union (EU). Entities that transact business with other EU members must have the number, which is used in customs procedures. Both businesses inside and outside the EU are required to have the code; however, the requirement will vary depending on the activities created by the economic operator. The EORI system was introduced in 2009 and is used by both types of businesses. Despite having completed its leave procedures at the end of 2020, the former EU member state, the United Kingdom (UK), continues to use the EORI system.
Registration
You need it if you plan to trade goods there. Not only are businesses needed to have the number, but also certain types of people who are introducing products to the Greek market may be subject to this requirement. An EORI is required in Greece for any organization involved in the import-export of commodities into the Greek market. The Greek Customs Authority will handle the process. All entities that receive a VAT number must have the number, which will be given out following an application form made available by the relevant institution. Each interested party shall submit details regarding every component of the application. The form is available in Greek and English.
Application requirements
Greek applicants for EORI numbers must meet the following requirements:
- the name of the applicant and their home address or the address of the company
- the applicant’s birthdate or the business’s incorporation date
- The applicant’s legal status (individual, business, group, etc.)
- information on the contact individual, including name, address, phone number, and email
- the applicant’s VAT number and the code related to their business operations
Greek EORI application procedures and formalities
Both Greek tax residents and non-EU business owners must follow the same procedures to obtain an EORI number in Greece. Other EU economic operators must apply for an EORI number with the customs authorities of the countries where they are tax residents, whereas Greek tax residents must do so. After completing the application form, the applicant in Greece must produce the required supporting documentation. The Greek Customs representatives will then examine all of these, and if the information is accurate, the firm will be given an EORI number in Greece.
Additional oddities
The registration process is the same in all European nations, as is the EORI application form for Greece. However, it is important to understand that each nation can impose unique regulations if they fall within the parameters of the European EORI framework. This means that certain practices that might be required in one nation may not be mandated by the laws of other EU member nations. Along with a select few other EU members, Greece also falls under this category and has some unique characteristics. There are some discrepancies between the EORI in Greece and other countries in terms of the requirement for simple consumers—individuals who buy goods elsewhere or import diverse items—to register. If the shipment’s value exceeds EUR 1,000, consumers in Greece must also register for an EORI number. Consumers do not need an EORI in Greece for shipments under EUR 1,000, but they must still present a tax ID for customs clearance.
