EORI Registration in France

The Regulation established new rules for economic operators that receive a unique identification number, shortly known as EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). The EORI number is also a useful method employed by customs authorities in different countries to exchange information.

The EORI number is usually similar to the VAT number. Our lawyers in France can help economic operators who need to obtain an EORI number. We also offer tailored business registration and tax registration services to local and foreign entrepreneurs interested in opening companies in France.

When is the EORI number requested in France?

The French customs authorities (Douane) require all economic operators in transit through France they must fulfill customs procedures and apply for an EORI number. The French EORI number is valid throughout the Community; that is why whenever a new EORI number is issued, the French authorities will notify the European Commission about the economic operator’s data.

The European Commission will then update the database with the new EORI number and with the operator’s characteristics. However, the data will be available to authorities in other countries only with the operator’s consent. EORI registration can be done in the economic operator’s country or in the country it must first go through customs formalities which means foreign economic operators can apply for an EORI number in France. Here is an infographic with details about EORI in France:

Carriers, online sellers, companies, and private individuals are economic operators who must fill out customs declarations and identify with the French EORI. On the other hand, EORI numbers are only needed for 9 customs declarations per year, which drastically reduces the administrative formalities and efforts made by companies activating in the sector of transportation.

Who must apply for an EORI number in France?

EORI registration is not mandatory in France, as it is required only for those carrying out customs operations (trade with non-EU countries), not for intra-community transactions or economic exchanges. Both sole proprietorships and companies in France can apply for EORI numbers. Also, foreign companies involved in economic relations with French companies can apply for EORI numbers with the French Customs Office when first entering the country.

Changes on the EORI system in 2026

If until recently, the French EORI numbers were allocated based on the SIRET number (the company ID), things change in 2026. As such, the SIREN identifier number will now be verified by the French Customs in exchange for SIRET. This number identifies the French business as a single legal entity at the HQ level. The transition to this will be gradual for companies with EORI numbers in France, with verification systems recognizing SIRET numbers for the time being.

On the other hand, companies registered in other EU member countries can use the current EORI numbers. As for companies in France, these can use the EORI based on SIRET, but they must apply for a new number where SIREN will be used as an identification number.

The new structure of the EORI number in France in 2026

Please mind that the structure of the EORI number is being changed: SIREN-based EORI numbers have been available since April 2023 and French Customs will announce the switchover timetable during 2026. If, prior to 2026, the EORI number was comprised of the two-letter country code (FR), followed by a 14-digit SIRET number, the new EORI number contains the country code FR plus a 9 digit code, representing the SIREN number.

The application for the new EORI code is made online and it is free of charge. Applicants will be issued with a new EORI in a period of 1-2 days since they have completed the application (the formality must be completed with the French Customs Authorities). Our lawyers can also assist those who need further information on the new system implemented in 2026.

Registration of the EORI number in France in 2026

The registration process for the EORI number in France is quite simple. First of all, French economic operators must request an EORI number online (SOPRANO EORI), although they already are in the SIRENE database of the French customs authorities and the EORI number will be based on the SIRET or SIREN number.

European economic operators must request an EORI number with the French authorities if they are not in the SIRENE database, while economic operators from non-EU member states also have the possibility to register for EORI in France if this is the first EU country they have to go through customs formalities.

US companies can choose the country where to apply for EORI, as provided by the legislation for the European Union if they will carry out import and export activities. If France is chosen, the French EORI code must comprise the USA country code, plus a customs number that is automatically assigned to the applicant at the time of registration.

The structure of the EORI number in France

Depending on whether the economic operator is registered with the SIRENE database or has a different SIRET number, the EORI number can have the following forms:

• for operators within the SIRENE database, the EORI number will be formed by the country code FR followed by the SIRET number,
• for operators with a different SIRET number, the EORI number will be formed by the country code FR and the number assigned by the French customs authorities,
• for economic operators from outside the Community requesting for the first time an EORI number with the French authorities, the number will be formed by the country code FR, followed by the operator’s home country code and the number issued by the French authorities;
• individuals, whether French residents or not, will not need to apply for an EORI number, as they will be treated as occasional economic operators.

How to use the French EORI number

It must be noted that the use of a French EORI number is not the same for every company. According to the EU Regulation which imposes it and to the French Customs, the EORI number will be mainly used for both traditional and online custom clearance. When talking about online customs procedures, the EORI number can be used for:

• obtaining clearances for importing and exporting goods into/from France (Delta operators);
• obtaining clearance for products which only transit France at a certain point (NCTS operators);
• obtaining clearance for safety and security procedures before importing goods into France (ICS operators);
• obtaining clearance for safety and security procedures before exporting goods outside France (ECS operators).

The ECS code is also used for the certification of VAT-exempt goods upon export from France. Considering foreign companies must comply with EU requirements upon the use of an EORI number, business owners can rely on our French lawyers for more information on these regulations.

Foreign companies and French EORI registration

Foreign companies can complete the following activities based on their EORI numbers, whether obtained in France on another EU state:

• they can file customs declarations;
• they can file entry and exit summary declarations;
• they can file temporary storage declarations;
• they can act as carriers for the transport of goods by sea, air, or road.

FAQ on EORI registration in France

Even if the EORI was introduced years ago, the number of companies registered in France has increased constantly and questions about obtaining the EORI number are still arise. Our lawyers in France have answered some of these questions below:

If you want details about EORI registration in 2026 or want to set up a business, you can contact our law firm in France. Plus, we also help foreigners in buying a property in France by handling all the legal procedures. Our lawyers can also help you open a business in France  in approx. 2 weeks, with no minimum share capital for the private limited liability company.