EORI number in Belgium: why you need it and how to get it

EORI numbers are used to uniquely identify all economic operators who transport goods across European borders. Crossing borders includes not only intra-European transport, but also export and import activities. All information you need to know about applying for an EORI number in Belgium can be found in the following article.

What is a Belgian EORI number?

EORI numbers were introduced as part of the Economic Operators Registration and Identification System of the European Union. Since then, every economic operator who regularly files customs declarations needs a number that clearly identifies him to the customs authorities.

However, every company or private person only needs a single number. This number can then be used across the EU, for example for transports from Belgium to France, exports from Belgium to America, but also imports from America to Germany for instance. Although the EORI number is always country-specific and can be assigned to the country in which it was applied for and therefore in which the economic operator is based, it can be used across the European Union.

Who needs this number in Belgium?

As in every other country in the European Union, every Belgian economic operator who regularly transports goods across borders and therefore completes customs declarations needs an EORI number. This includes

• Companies
• Private individuals
• Online Sellers
• Carriers

However, each economic operator only needs a single number, which is then used throughout the EU. A Belgian economic operator with a Belgian EORI number can use it to carry out cross-border activities, for example in France, just as a French economic operator with a French EORI number can import goods into Belgium.

The only exceptions are in the case of branches and irregular border crossings. Dependencies of multinational companies do not have to obtain an EORI number themselves – on the contrary. They are only allowed to use the headquarters number, which in some cases is expanded to identify the branch.

Furthermore, only those economic entities, which submit more than 9 customs declarations per year are required to obtain an EORI number. Below this number of cross-border transports, the number is not used. You can find more information on these exceptions and the EU-wide regulations on the subject of EORI on our overview page.

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What does the Belgian number look like?

The EORI number consists of a letter code and a nine to fifteen-digit number combination, depending on the EU country. The letter code corresponds to the ISO code for Belgium, a combination of letters that identifies the country in which the EORI number was applied for. For Belgium this is BE.

In Belgium, the number combination is 10 digits long and corresponds to the CBE number without spaces and periods. This number was introduced in Belgium in 2003 and is used to clearly identify all economic operators in Belgium. If a company is newly founded, it receives the CBE number at the same time; if it already exists, the CBE number is made up of a 0 and the company’s Belgian VAT identification number. A Belgian EORI number can, therefore, look like this:

BE0123456789

The composition of the Belgian EORI number shows that it is primarily intended for Belgian economic operators. They should register for the EORI system in Belgium. Sellers, companies and private individuals who are resident and registered in other EU countries should apply for an EORI number in these countries.

Foreign companies that are not based in the European Union can choose the country in which they obtain an EORI number. There are two reasons for registering for EORI in Belgium:

• frequent export and import activities in Belgium
• OSS registration in Belgium

On the one hand, a Belgian EORI number is worthwhile for foreign companies if there is a lot of imports and exports there. Customs matters are dealt with in the same language. The same applies to an OSS registration in Belgium. The EORI and OSS systems do not have much to do with each other, but a Belgian-speaking tax advisor commissioned for OSS can also take care of EORI matters. This saves time and money. You can find more information about the one-stop shop on our OSS overview page.

How do I apply for an EORI number in Belgium?

Belgian individuals, companies and traders must apply for an EORI number via the website of the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Belgium. In addition to the application forms, further information on the EORI system in Belgium can be found there. However, as in most European countries, the website and the applications are only available in the national language. This is similar to the regular VAT registrations, which usually require local representatives and tax advisors.

It is also advised to first check whether an EORI number already exists. Due to its simple combination of ISO code and existing company identification number, this is sometimes unknown to the number owner. You can check if you already have an EORI number on the EORI number validation page of the European Commission.

If you do not speak Belgian and therefore cannot fill out the necessary forms for the EORI registration, but also the VAT registration, the advance VAT return and other documents, hellotax can help you. Our team of local tax advisors and specialized experts is at your side in all tax related questions and takes on any tasks and duties for you. Contact us today and arrange a free consultation.