EORI Number Misuse on the Rise: What Traders Need to Know
Update: March 16th, 2026
EORI numbers (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) are the cornerstone of customs compliance across the EU and UK. But recent reports indicate a growing risk: fraudulent or unauthorized use of EORI numbers is becoming more common, and it could have serious consequences for traders and logistics partners.
How EORI Numbers Can Be Misused
Even when shipments are correctly routed, misuse can occur if an EORI number is:
- Used without authorization by third parties, including brokers or intermediaries submitting customs declarations in your name.
- Shared or reused incorrectly on trading lanes, leading to errors or unexpected customs queries.
- Deliberately exploited to bypass compliance checks or manipulate duty and VAT obligations.
The result? Even non-malicious misuse can trigger customs investigations, shipment delays, or compliance alerts, creating extra administrative work and operational risk for legitimate businesses.
Why This Matters for Traders
EORI numbers link shipments directly to a legal entity, allowing customs authorities to track:
- Duties and taxes owed
- Entry and exit summaries
- Compliance with import/export regulations
If someone else uses your EORI, you could face:
- Unexpected customs enquiries or audits
- Potential reputational or financial risk
- Delays in clearance at ports or airports
Steps to Protect Your EORI
To safeguard your business, customs experts recommend you:
- Validate all trading partners’ EORI numbers before shipments. Both EU and UK authorities provide official online verification tools.
- Monitor filings linked to your EORI through your customs broker or freight forwarder. Early detection of unauthorized activity is key.
- Report any suspicious or unexplained filings immediately to HMRC or the relevant EU customs authority to prevent further misuse.
Fraudulent use of EORI numbers isn’t just a theoretical risk, it’s a real operational threat for importers, exporters, and logistics providers. Vigilance, verification, and monitoring are essential to ensure smooth customs clearance and protect your supply chain from avoidable disruptions.