German customs number is replaced with the EORI code. It applies to the entire EU. Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification Number is referred to by the acronym EORI. With the implementation of Regulation (EC) No. 312/2009, the customs number EORI has been in effect since 2009.
Economic operators
Economic operators are individuals, regardless of where they reside, whose business is conducted within the EU or with EU nations and is thus subject to EU customs law. The two groups of EU citizens and non-EU citizens need to be separated. EU nationals must apply for the identity in the EU Member State where they have registered their residency to conduct their routine, everyday business. The Member State in which they plan to request a ruling on their first-ever business transactions in the EU registers third-country parties (people who reside outside the EU). Economic operators must obediently state the EORI number when conducting transactions governed by EU customs law. If a private individual submits no more than nine customs declarations annually, they are not regarded as an economic operator. They do not require it in this instance. This criterion also holds if they are directly represented in their business by a service provider, most frequently a postal or express service provider. Exports requiring authorization are an exception to this rule, and they must be reviewed by the BAFA. (Federal Office for Economic and Export Control). Private individual businesses must also have an identity for this purpose.
Eligibility
The code is required by both non-EU businesses wishing to export to Germany and the rest of the EU as well as by German businesses looking to export outside of the EU. If a company is engaged in the transfer of commercial products, it includes partnerships, sole proprietorships, and limited companies. When importing or exporting only within the EU or when bringing in products for personal use, it is not necessary. Additionally, customs authorities transmit customs information to other government departments and organizations via the code. Indirect participants in customs, however, are also required to have it. For any activity governed by German customs law, the code should be obtained beforehand. A company’s EORI number from another EU member state is all that is required to export to the EU. There is no separate requirement for a German EORI.
Application
German Customs Information and Knowledge Management can be contacted by letter, email, fax, or by using the Portal on the Zoll website to request the code. Companies must have the necessary certificate granted by ELSTER to utilize this portal for security reasons. Both corporations and private persons can obtain this certificate. An alternative application method for those seeking an EORI number is the 0870 form. Although the application procedure itself is free, it does require an electronic signature and the required paperwork. Documents from the German Companies Register or the National Trade Register are included in this material to prove your identity and the legitimacy of your application. This supporting information includes legitimate identifying documents that show your application is legitimate.
Obtaining an EORI number for a German Branch
The company’s main office or headquarters should apply for the EORI number since a German branch or representative office lacks the legal authority to do so. However, once the headquarters gets its EORI number, there is a unique application process. The firm name, business address, branch number, and EORI number of the main office must all be listed on the application for the German branch. Having this EORI number grants the German branch office the ability to function independently with German customs officers.
Usage
The new European customs number must be stated on customs declarations as well as summary arrival and exit declarations to identify the parties involved is employed. The unique number is given out by the appropriate, authorized authorities. Economic operators must support Article 9 of the UCC (Union Customs Code) and Article 1 of the UCC-DA (Delegated Regulation supplementing the UCC) as the legal basis for customs authorities.
