In March 2023, the European Union launched the second release of the Import Control System for goods being shipped into its member countries. This requires shippers to include an EORI number for some countries when using international UPS services.
Providing EORI Numbers to Buy Labels: If you don't include an EORI number for the required countries, Pirate Ship will display an error when you're creating your labels.
What is an EORI number and how do I get one?
Understanding EORI Numbers: EORI stands for “Economic Operators Registration and Identification" number and is given to businesses located within the European Union.
Its format is two letters followed by seven digits, as seen in this example: DE1234567.
EU Recipients Provide EORI Numbers: An EORI number isn't something that you as the shipper need to sign up for to receive; instead, your recipients in the EU will know their specific EORI number and should provide it to you when they place their orders.
Contact Your Recipients for EORI Numbers: If you don't have an EORI number for your recipient, we suggest contacting them and asking if they can provide one, since our system won't allow you to purchase an international UPS label going to certain countries in the EU without it 😉
EORI numbers only apply to Business-to-Business shipments
EORI Numbers Aren't Required for Personal Shipments: You won't need to enter an EORI number unless you're shipping from a business to a business (B2B) in the EU.
If you're shipping to an individual customer of yours or if it's a personal shipment, EORI numbers don't need to be added to the shipping label.
Is the EORI number different from an IOSS number?
The EORI number is different from the IOSS number.
EORI Numbers vs IOSS Numbers: An EORI number refers to a recipient's tax ID. The IOSS number refers to a sender's ID that's only needed when taxes are pre-paid by your recipient during the checkout process.
Typically, you'll enter an IOSS number when you sell your products on an eCommerce platform such as Etsy or Shopify.
Where to enter the EORI number when creating labels
Use the International Tax ID Field: When you have your EU recipient's EORI, you can enter the number into the International Tax ID field in the Customs Form section. When you do, the number will be provided to the carrier and printed on the label 👍
Here's what that section looks like:
ARRrrr Support Crew is here to lend a hook when ye need it
Have any more questions about EORI numbers or international shipments in general? Hoist the flag and contact ARRrrr Support Crew by clicking the blue chat icon - we'll help ye sail on smooth waters in no time, Matey! ⛵
Additional Resources