How to Get an EORI Number in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide
- John Hall
- Customs Specialist at iCustoms.ai
Are you importing or exporting goods to and from Ireland?
Whether you’re a small business owner or a sole trader with a side hustle in cross-border trade, one thing’s for sure: you can’t skip the paperwork. And at the top of that list? Getting your EORI number.
Think of the EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) as your passport to trading with countries outside the European Union. Without it, your goods could end up stuck in customs chaos: delays, fines or penalties.
Although the customs process may seem daunting, obtaining your Irish EORI number doesn’t have to be difficult.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can obtain your EORI number in Ireland and other crucial information related to EORI.
What is an EORI number?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is the unique ID customs authorities use to recognise you across the EU. If you move goods to, from, or through countries outside the EU, you need an EORI to lodge import/export/transit declarations. One person or company can hold only one valid EORI at a time.
Irish overview: Revenue’s guidance confirms EORI is the first step to “register for Customs”, and it’s valid across all EU Member States.
The three ways to get an Irish EORI
Option 1: Apply online in ROS (most common)
If you have an ROS digital certificate, you can self-serve the whole process:
- Log in to ROS using your digital certificate.
- Go to My Services → Other Services → Manage Tax Registrations.
- Under Customs & Excise, select Register.
- Tick that you will be importing/exporting to/from the EU, then choose to register for an EORI.
- Make sure your official address includes your Eircode/postcode, or the system won’t let you proceed.
- Sign and submit.
Revenue’s official step-by-step manual (with screenshots) walks you through these exact screens and shows the Eircode warning if it’s missing.
Activation time: Your EORI is active immediately for declarations lodged in Ireland. It can take up to 48 hours to appear on the EU public validation database.
Option B: Request via myAccount (for individuals)
If you’re registered for myAccount, you can request an EORI through MyEnquiries. This is useful for sole traders or individuals who don’t use ROS.
Option C: No ROS certificate and goods already arrived (urgent)
If you don’t have an active ROS certificate (or an agent) and goods have arrived and an EORI is needed, email the Irish eCustoms Helpdesk with:
- Your Tax Registration Number
- Your company/individual name
- Your official address, including Eircode/postcode.
Revenue will assist in issuing an EORI.
Who needs an Irish EORI number in 2025?
In 2025, an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is essential for almost any Irish entity that trades with countries outside the EU.
Whether you’re a company, a sole trader, or even a non-commercial organisation moving goods across borders, you’ll need one to interact with EU customs systems.
Businesses and legal entities
All Irish-registered companies that import or export goods with non-EU countries must hold an EORI number. Registration is handled online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). To apply, you’ll need your ROS login details and a valid digital certificate.
Individuals and sole traders
It’s not just companies; sole traders also require an EORI if they are personally involved in customs operations. The exact legal definition of a “natural person” or “corporate body” is set at both EU and national levels, but in practice, it covers anyone legally responsible for moving goods through customs.
Non-commercial organisations
Interestingly, international organisations and NGOs may also need an EORI. Even if they aren’t trading for profit, they may occasionally move goods under customs procedures (for example, shipping aid supplies). In these cases, they are treated as “economic operators” under EU law, and an EORI is required, even if the goods qualify for customs duty exemptions.
What is the law for the EORI system in Ireland?
The EORI system in Ireland was established under Regulation (EEC) No. 2912/92, and its purpose is to increase the level of protection of the goods traded in the community. This legislation was later amended by Regulation (EC) No. 648/2005.
Are you a non-EU trader wondering about the requirements for doing business in Ireland?
If you’re a company based outside of the European Union, you’ll need an EORI number to trade with any EU member state, including Ireland. This number is essential for filing important customs documents like:
- Customs declarations
- Entry summary declarations
- Exit summary declarations
You’ll also need an EORI number if your company is registered as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). When you fill out the AEO application, you must provide your EORI number.
The good news is that you can apply for your EORI number in any EU country where you need to complete a customs procedure. For example, if you’re lodging a customs declaration with Irish customs, you can get your EORI number right there in Ireland. The same applies if you’re signing entry or exit summary declarations or applying for AEO status.
Wrapping up
Getting an EORI number is the most important part of running an import/export business. Many businesses find it difficult to navigate through the EORI application process, but it is simpler and faster than they might think.
Whether you’re applying online through ROS, using myAccount as a sole trader, or urgently requesting one, Revenue has made the process accessible.
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