How to Get an EORI Number in the Netherlands? EORI Number Registration Process

If your company plans to import goods into the Netherlands or export products from the EU, one of the first things you will need is an EORI number. Many international founders actually get stuck here. They set up a Dutch company, arrange suppliers, even organize logistics — but customs clearance stops because the business does not yet have an EORI number.

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for any company that wants to interact with EU customs authorities. Without it, customs cannot identify your business in the European system, which means goods cannot legally enter or leave the EU market.

We see this situation quite often with foreign businesses expanding into Europe. A company may already have a warehouse partner, logistics provider, or even customers waiting — but shipments cannot move until the EORI registration is completed. This small registration step becomes critical for international trade.

At FirmNL, we help international founders handle the full compliance setup required to operate in the Netherlands. This includes company formation, VAT registration, and EORI number applications, so businesses can start importing or exporting without delays.

What Is an EORI Number? (Simple Explanation)

An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identification number used by customs authorities across the European Union. It allows customs systems to identify companies that import goods into the EU or export goods outside the EU.

In simple terms, if your business is involved in international trade with the European Union, customs authorities must know who you are. The EORI number acts like a customs identity number for your company.

For example, when goods arrive at a Dutch port such as Rotterdam or Schiphol Airport, customs declarations must include the company’s EORI number. Without it, the shipment cannot be processed, which means goods may be delayed or even blocked.

Most businesses receive their EORI number from the country where they first register with customs. In the Netherlands, the EORI number is usually issued by the Dutch Customs Administration (Belastingdienst Douane) once a company is registered for customs activities.

Another important point many founders do not realize: in the Netherlands, the EORI number is usually linked to the company’s VAT number. This is why businesses that plan to import goods into the EU often complete VAT registration and EORI registration together.

At FirmNL, we often handle both registrations in one process so businesses entering Europe do not face delays when their first shipment arrives.

When Do You Need an EORI Number for EU Trade?

Many founders assume an EORI number is only required for large import businesses, but that is not correct. In reality, any company that interacts with EU customs systems must have an EORI number.

You will need an EORI number in the Netherlands if your business is involved in activities such as:

• Importing goods into the Netherlands or any EU country
  
• Exporting products from the EU to other countries
  
• Submitting customs declarations through freight forwarders
  
• Operating an eCommerce business that ships goods from outside the EU
  
• Using a warehouse or fulfillment center in the Netherlands
  

For example, many international eCommerce brands ship products from China or the US to a Dutch warehouse and then distribute them across Europe. In this situation, customs authorities must identify the importer, and that identification happens through the EORI number.

We often see founders set up logistics partners first and think the warehouse or freight forwarder can handle everything. But customs still requires the business itself to have a valid EORI number before goods can enter the EU.

That is why most companies register their EORI number right after completing their VAT registration in the Netherlands, especially if they plan to import goods regularly.

Documents Required for EORI Registration in the Netherlands

The EORI number registration process in the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, but customs authorities still require certain business information before issuing the number. If the documentation is incomplete, the application may get delayed.

In most cases, Dutch customs asks for the following details and documents during the EORI registration process:

• Company registration details from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
• Dutch VAT number issued by the Belastingdienst
• Company legal structure (for example Dutch BV, branch office, or foreign entity)
• Registered business address in the Netherlands
• Contact details of company director or authorized representative
  

For foreign founders, this step often becomes confusing because the EORI application is linked with other registrations such as VAT registration and company incorporation. Many businesses try to apply before their VAT number is finalized, which can cause processing issues.

In practice, most international businesses apply for an EORI number after completing company formation and VAT registration in the Netherlands. This ensures customs authorities can correctly link the business in their system.

Step-by-Step EORI Number Registration Process in the Netherlands

The EORI number registration process in the Netherlands is handled through the Dutch Customs Administration. The process itself is not very complicated, but it must be done in the correct order because it is connected with your company and VAT registration.

Here is how the typical EORI registration process works.

1. Register Your Business in the Netherlands

Before applying for an EORI number, your company must exist legally. Most international founders first register a Dutch BV through the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

Once the company is incorporated, the business becomes recognized by Dutch authorities and can move to the next compliance steps.

2. Obtain a Dutch VAT Number

After Netherland company registration, the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) issues the VAT number. This is an important step because the EORI number is usually linked to the VAT registration of the business.

Without VAT registration, EORI applications often cannot be processed correctly.

3. Submit the EORI Application to Dutch Customs

Once the company and VAT number are active, the business can apply for the EORI number with the Dutch Customs Authority.

The application includes basic company details such as:

• Legal company name
• VAT number
• Company registration number
• Business address
• Contact information
  

4. Customs Verification

Dutch customs reviews the application and verifies the business information. If everything is correct, the EORI number is generated in the EU customs system.

5. EORI Number Issued

After approval, the company receives its official EORI number, which can then be used for customs declarations, imports, exports, and logistics operations within the EU.

Many founders try to handle these steps separately, but the process often becomes slow because company formation, VAT registration, and customs registration are connected.

How FirmNL Helps Businesses Obtain an EORI Number

For many international founders, getting an EORI number in the Netherlands looks simple on paper, but in practice the process often becomes confusing. The reason is that EORI registration is not a completely standalone process. It is closely connected with company formation, VAT registration, and customs compliance.

This is exactly where many businesses lose time. They try to apply for an EORI number before their VAT registration is finalized, or they submit incomplete business details to Dutch customs. When this happens, the application may get delayed or rejected.

We usually handle the EORI registration as part of a larger setup process for companies entering the EU market. Instead of dealing with multiple procedures separately, we help businesses complete the full compliance structure required to operate in the Netherlands.

Our support typically includes:

• Dutch BV company formation
• VAT number registration in the Netherlands
• EORI number application with Dutch customs
• Artikel 23 VAT deferment setup (for import businesses)
• Ongoing accounting and compliance support
  

Because our team works directly with international founders expanding into Europe, we understand the common challenges companies face during this process. In most cases, businesses prefer to complete these registrations together so their imports, logistics operations, and EU sales can start without delays.

If you plan to import goods into the Netherlands or operate an eCommerce business in Europe, having the right compliance setup from the beginning saves significant time and operational risk.

Conclusion

Getting an EORI number in the Netherlands is an essential step for any business that plans to import or export goods within the European Union. Without this number, customs authorities cannot process shipments, which means goods may be delayed or blocked at EU borders.

For most companies, the EORI registration is closely connected with other compliance steps such as company incorporation and VAT registration. This is why businesses expanding into Europe usually complete these registrations together to avoid operational delays.

Once the EORI number is issued, your business can legally interact with EU customs systems, submit customs declarations, and move goods across European borders without complications. For eCommerce brands, import businesses, and international traders, this number becomes a core part of daily operations.

Here at FirmNL We support international founders with the full setup required to operate in the Netherlands — including Dutch BV formation, VAT registration, and EORI number applications. This ensures businesses entering the EU market can focus on growth while the compliance side is handled correctly from the beginning.

If your company is planning to import goods into the Netherlands or start trading across Europe, arranging the EORI registration early can save significant time and prevent customs issues later.