An EORI number is the EU customs identifier used by economic operators and other persons in relevant import, export and transit procedures. An Irish EORI normally begins with “IE”, but it is not the same as a CRO company number or a VAT validation. Before shipping or appointing a customs representative, validate the complete number through the European Commission and match the trader independently.
Direct answer
Open the European Commission EORI validation service and enter the country code plus identifier exactly, without guessing omitted characters. Record whether it is valid and the check date. If a name or address is displayed, match it; publication depends on consent and may be limited. Separately verify the legal company, VAT number, customs role and bank details.
Identify the trader first
Ask for the legal name, registered address, CRO or overseas company number, VAT number, EORI and customs role. The seller, exporter, importer of record, declarant, representative, carrier and consignee can be different parties. Your documents should identify which entity performs each role.
Search the Irish company to match its status, directors and registered office. If it uses a different brand, consult the legal-name versus trading-name guide.
EORI, VAT and CRO numbers compared
| Identifier | Main purpose | Official check |
|---|---|---|
| EORI | Common customs identification for relevant EU customs operations | European Commission EORI validation |
| VAT number | VAT identification and relevant cross-border VAT verification | VIES and Revenue as applicable |
| CRO number | Identity of an Irish registered company | CRO CORE or an Irish company-search service |
| Business-name number | Registered trading name linked to a legal person | CRO business-name record |
| AEO authorisation | Separate authorised economic operator status | Relevant EU customs database |
One number cannot substitute for another. A trader can have a valid EORI and an invalid VAT number, or be a sole trader rather than a limited company.
How to validate an EORI number
- Obtain the full number directly from the contracting trader.
- Open the European Commission’s official EORI validation service.
- Enter the issuing country code and identifier exactly.
- Record the valid or invalid result and time.
- Compare any published name and address with independent records.
- Resolve conflicts before submitting customs declarations or moving goods.
The Commission states that an EORI has a two-letter country code followed by a unique national identifier of up to fifteen alphanumeric characters. A person should have only one valid EORI at a time.
Why a valid result may show limited identity data
Public display of name and address can depend on the holder’s consent and data rules. A valid result without visible identity does not let you assume that the number belongs to the party who supplied it. Request evidence and confirm through the national customs authority or adviser where necessary.
Never alter a number to obtain a valid response. An Irish identifier may often relate to tax registration, but formatting and registration status should be confirmed through official sources.
Check the customs role and authorisations
EORI validation confirms the identifier, not that the holder has every customs authorisation or agrees to act as importer, exporter or representative. Confirm direct or indirect representation, power of attorney, customs guarantees, commodity classification, value, origin and responsibility for duties.
AEO, customs warehousing, inward processing, CBAM and other arrangements have separate rules or permissions. Validate each requirement for the transaction rather than treating EORI as a general licence.
Match VAT separately
Use VIES for relevant intra-EU VAT validation and keep the result. A valid VAT number does not validate EORI, and a valid EORI does not decide the VAT treatment of the sale. Read how to check an Irish VAT number.
Confirm invoice name and address, supply facts, customer status and transport evidence with a tax adviser. Do not infer a tax outcome solely from an online valid response.
Fraud and cloned identifiers
A scammer can copy a real company’s EORI, VAT number and CRO details. Verify the website domain, email, telephone and bank account through independent channels. Be cautious when payment instructions change or the beneficiary differs from the supplier without documented reasons.
For advance payments or valuable goods, combine register checks with contract, credit and identity diligence. The company-before-payment guide provides a practical workflow.
Worked verification example
A supplier gives a valid Irish EORI, but the validation data is not publicly displayed. Its invoice names a recently incorporated company, while the bank beneficiary is an unrelated overseas business. The salesperson says customs approval proves everything is legitimate.
It does not. Confirm EORI ownership through suitable official or professional channels, verify the supplier company and contract, check the VAT number separately and independently verify bank instructions. Pause shipment or payment until the chain reconciles.
Evidence to retain
- EORI supplied and validation result with date.
- Legal company and CRO or overseas register evidence.
- VAT validation where relevant.
- Contract and agreed customs roles.
- Representative authority and customs authorisations.
- Commodity code, origin, value and transport documents.
- Verified bank details and invoice.
- Customs declarations and clearance records.
Red flags
- EORI returns invalid or has an implausible format.
- Displayed identity conflicts with the contract.
- Trader refuses to explain its customs role.
- CRO, VAT and EORI details point to different entities.
- Documents use copied logos or inconsistent addresses.
- Bank beneficiary is unrelated and cannot be verified.
- Supplier claims EORI is proof of creditworthiness or product approval.
- Urgency is used to prevent independent checks.
Sources and editorial review
This guide was reviewed on 20 September 2026 using the European Commission’s EORI guidance and validation link and Irish Revenue’s new-to-customs guidance. Customs status and requirements can change, so verify the live official services for the transaction. This is general information, not customs, VAT, legal or financial advice.