The basic objective of the EORI (Economic Operators Registration Identification) system is to provide each economic trader who interacts with customs authorities in the European Union with a unique reference number. The system was launched in July 2009 and serves as a communication tool for international customs administrations. To prevent significant modifications to the government’s operational systems, the number is analogous to the VAT number.
EORI system
Both nationally and within the EU, the EORI system is in use. Economic operators who interact with Maltese authorities are given the numbers by the Malta Customs Authority, which are valid throughout the Community. Once the Maltese government has given an economic operator the number, it is its responsibility to inform the European Commission of all relevant information. All information is kept by the European Commission in a database, and only the relevant economic trader’s permission allows authorities in any EU member state to access it. Before publishing any information about economic traders, the Maltese government first obtains their consent.
EORI registration
Economic operators must get in touch with the Customs House in Valletta and submit the VAT certificate, the MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority) certificate, and a copy of the identification document of the director of the firm in Malta to register for the number. A customs declaration following Articles 225 or 238 of Regulation 2454/93 must be issued for an economic operator operating outside the Community. Companies registered outside of the EU may also do an EORI registration in Malta if this is where they have their initial contact with an EU customs authority. Like in the case of a domestic entity, the non-EU entity’s EORI number received in Malta will be valid across the entire EU area.
Malta’s EORI number structure
The Maltese EORI numbers all begin with the MT country code. With a few exceptions, the identity in Malta now roughly correlates to the VAT numbers of economic operators because of the decision to make them identical. Economic operators must enter their VAT number in customs declarations with the country code MT in front. Economic traders from nations outside the Community who need an EORI number are an exception. Beginning in July 2010, all non-EU traders who conduct business with authorities in EU nations must register for it in the first EU nation they do business with. If Malta is the first country they trade with, their number will be made up of the letters MT, the trader’s country code, and the number given to them by the Maltese Customs Authority.
Obtaining EORI numbers for foreign traders
Applications for EORI registration must be submitted to the Maltese Customs Authorities by foreign individuals and businesses beginning commercial relationships with Maltese businesses for the first time. In the case of people, copies of their identification documents, as well as copies of their registration certificate and VAT certificate, will need to be submitted.
Processing time
For local businesses, sole proprietors, and residents, obtaining it takes no longer than 4 or 5 working days as long as the paperwork needed by Maltese Customs is in order. The process can go more slowly for overseas businesses for a couple of extra days.
