We Offer Strategic Legal Services
EORI Registration (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) in France
Obtain your EORI number in France with our team of French customs and international trade lawyers.
We manage the entire process — from preparing your file and verifying your company details, to registering with the French customs authority (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects – DGDDI), and providing you with your official EORI certificate.
Have Queries ?
What is an EORI Number ?
An EORI number is a unique identification code assigned to businesses and individuals involved in international trade with the European Union. It is mandatory for any entity that imports or exports goods into or out of the EU, including the United Kingdom post-Brexit.
This number enables your business to:
- Clear goods through customs,
- Declare imports and exports,
- File Intrastat and VAT reports, and
- Track your shipments across EU borders.
Whether your company is based in France, the EU, or outside Europe, obtaining a French EORI number ensures that your cross-border operations comply with European customs regulations (EU Regulation 952/2013).
Main Advantages :
Mandatory for customs declarations: required to import, export, or transit goods within the EU customs territory.
Simplifies logistics : used by customs, freight forwarders, and carriers for electronic submissions.
Recognized across the EU: one number valid for all 27 Member States.
Essential for VAT and customs compliance: connects your trade data with your VAT identification.
Faster customs clearance: ensures your shipments are processed without administrative delays.
In short, the EORI number is your passport for trade across Europe, linking your business directly to customs and fiscal authorities in all EU Member States.
How to Obtain an EORI Number in France?
Getting your French EORI number is a straightforward process — provided your file is correctly prepared and submitted.
With FrenchCo.lawyer, our customs lawyers and paralegals manage everything for you, ensuring rapid and compliant registration.
Here’s how we handle your case step by step:
Collecting Company Information
We begin by gathering essential data: your legal name, business registration number (e.g., SIREN/Kbis if established in France), VAT number, contact details, and any prior customs activities.
Verifying Eligibility and Documentation
Our team verifies whether your business needs an EORI number in France (for example, if it is your first customs declaration or if you import/export goods via a French port or airport).
Preparing the EORI Application
We prepare the full application and supporting documents, ensuring all information matches your legal and tax registration details — a key point for customs validation.
Filing with French Customs (DGDDI)
We file your EORI registration electronically with DGDDI. For non-EU businesses, we liaise directly with the SIEE (Service des Impôts des Entreprises Étrangères) or fiscal representative to complete the process.
Delivery of the EORI Number
Once approved, we provide your official French EORI certificate, enabling your business to begin import/export operations immediately.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
Our licensed French lawyers and trained customs paralegals specializing in European trade compliance will ensure your registration meets the requirements of both EU customs law and French fiscal administration, with no risk of rejection or delay. With us, you benefit from: Direct liaison with French customs; Legally verified documentation; Fast-track registration within a few business days; Complete compliance with EU regulations; Flat, transparent pricing. You can focus on your business — we ensure your EORI registration is completed, valid, and recognized across all EU borders.
Have Queries ?
What We Need From You to a Obtain Your French EORI Number ?
To process your EORI registration efficiently, we simply need the following:
Company Details
Kbis extract (if established in France) or foreign company certificate of incorporation. Registered office address and contact information. VAT number, if available.
Legal Representative Information
Passport or ID of the company’s legal representative. Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or certificate of residence). Signed power of attorney (if we act on your behalf).
For Non-EU Companies
Appointment of a French fiscal representative or customs agent. Certificate of incorporation from your home country. Description of the intended customs operations in France or the EU.
And Then?
Once your file is complete, our lawyers take care of everything: drafting and submitting your EORI application, coordinating with the customs administration, and delivering your EORI number directly by email and official certificate. From that moment, you can import and export freely across the EU using your validated EORI registration.
EORI Registration– Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €490 excl. taxes* Includes: Drafting and filing of the EORI application; Communication with French customs authorities; Delivery of your official EORI number.
Additional costs: only if a fiscal representative is required (for non-EU entities).
No hidden fees — just efficient legal assistance and rapid customs registration.
Our commitment:
No unnecessary “packages”
No reseller intermediaries
Only genuine legal work
Have Queries ?
Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Transparent, Lawyer-Led EORI Registration
Fast and reliable registration: From application to issuance, we handle every EORI step quickly and efficiently.
Legally compliant documents: All filings meet EU and French customs requirements for full compliance.
Protective legal drafting: We ensure your EORI is properly linked to your business and VAT structure.
High professional standards: Your registration is managed by licensed French lawyers for guaranteed accuracy.
Let us handle your EORI registration —
so you can focus on managing your cross-border trade.
Contact Us
Have Queries ?
Understanding the EORI Registration in France
Can a foreign company obtain a French EORI number?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU businesses can obtain a French EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) if they perform customs-related operations in France.
This includes importing or exporting goods, storing products in a French warehouse, or acting as a shipper or consignee in customs declarations.
However, the procedure depends on the company’s place of establishment and customs activities.
1. EU and EEA Companies
Businesses established in an EU or EEA Member State can apply directly through French Customs (DGDDI).
If they already possess an EORI number issued by another EU Member State, it is valid throughout the EU, including France—no duplicate registration is needed.
However, companies often choose to obtain a French EORI if they conduct regular import/export operations through French ports or logistics hubs, to simplify customs procedures and align with French VAT reporting.
2. Non-EU Companies
Businesses established outside the European Union must register for an EORI number in the first EU Member State where they conduct customs operations.
If that first point of entry is France, registration must be completed with DGDDI (Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects) before the first declaration.
In most cases, non-EU entities must appoint a fiscal representative or customs agent in France to file on their behalf.
3. Individuals Engaged in Trade
Individuals, including self-employed professionals, who import or export goods for business purposes also need an EORI number.
Private individuals acting for personal use (non-commercial) are exempt.
What documents are required to obtain an EORI number?
The standard list of documents includes:
- Certificate of incorporation or extract from trade register;
- Company’s registered office address;
- VAT identification number (if applicable);
- Identity document of the legal representative;
- Proof of authority to sign (power of attorney, board resolution, etc.);
- Description of the customs operations (import, export, storage, etc.);
- For non-EU applicants: mandate of a fiscal or customs representative in France.
All documents must be provided in French or English, and some may require certified translation.
What are the obligations once the EORI number is obtained?
Holding an EORI number comes with continuous compliance duties related to customs and VAT:
- Use the number on all customs declarations, import/export paperwork, and invoices involving cross-border trade.
- Keep transaction records (invoices, shipping documents, contracts) for at least six years, as customs may audit previous operations.
- Ensure consistency between customs declarations, VAT filings, and accounting data.
- Update DGDDI if company details (address, name, VAT number, representative) change.
Failure to comply may lead to temporary suspension of your EORI number and penalties under the French Customs Code.
What happens if I import or export without an EORI number?
Operating without a valid EORI number may result in:
- Blocked customs declarations (imports/exports cannot be cleared);
- Storage fees while goods are detained;
- Administrative penalties from French Customs;
- Delays in delivery and loss of commercial credibility;
- Refusal of VAT deduction or reimbursement on import transactions.
In some cases, customs may require retroactive registration and proof of compliance before releasing the goods.
- Blocked customs declarations (imports/exports cannot be cleared);
What are the advantages of obtaining your EORI number through FrenchCo.lawyer?
- Direct handling by French customs lawyers, ensuring full legal compliance;
- Fast-track registration within a few business days;
- Coordination with your VAT registration and customs broker;
- Assistance for non-EU businesses in appointing a representative;
- Complete file preparation (translations, notarizations, and legal review).
Our legal expertise guarantees a seamless, compliant process — from first application to delivery of your official EORI certificate.
Is there a minimum turnover or local establishment requirement?
No. French law does not impose a minimum turnover, capital, or physical presence requirement for obtaining an EORI number.
The obligation arises solely from customs activity, not company size.
You must register before your first customs declaration—either import, export, or intra-EU movement.
However:
- Non-EU companies without a permanent establishment in France must appoint a customs or fiscal representative to act as their interface with French authorities.
- Failure to register in advance may cause delays or seizure of goods at customs clearance.
In short: any entity engaging in customs operations via France must obtain an EORI number—regardless of size or residence.
Where and how is the EORI number registered in France?
The competent authority for issuing EORI numbers in France is the DGDDI (French Customs Administration).
The registration is completed electronically through the Soprano EORI platform or via a customs broker, depending on whether the applicant is established in France or abroad.
1. Companies Established in France
- Apply through the Soprano EORI online portal.
- The number is usually issued within a few days and begins with the prefix FR followed by the SIREN number (company identification code).
2. Non-Established Companies
- Apply via customs correspondence to the Centre EORI or through a fiscal representative.
- They must provide official incorporation documents, foreign VAT registration, and authorization for their French agent.
- The EORI number also starts with FR, followed by a unique numerical sequence assigned by DGDDI.
3. Link with VAT
If the company is already VAT-registered in France, the EORI is often linked to that VAT profile, ensuring harmonization between customs and tax databases.
How long does EORI registration take in France?
The French customs authority typically issues an EORI number within 2 to 5 business days after receiving a complete application.
In urgent cases (for example, for an imminent shipment), an accelerated procedure can sometimes be requested through a customs broker.
However, delays may occur if:
- Documents are incomplete,
- The company’s legal structure is unclear, or
A fiscal representative has not yet been appointed for non-EU traders.
Do I need both an EORI number and a VAT number in France?
Yes — they serve different purposes, even though they are interconnected:
EORI Number | VAT Number |
Issued by French Customs (DGDDI) | Issued by French Tax Administration (SIE) |
Identifies the company for customs operations | Identifies the company for VAT declarations |
Required for imports, exports, and intra-EU goods movements | Required for invoicing, VAT returns, and tax compliance |
Used for electronic customs declarations | Used for fiscal filings (CA3, DEB, EC Sales List) |
Linked to customs procedures and border clearance | Linked to commercial transactions and accounting |
In practice, businesses engaged in cross-border trade in France often need both numbers to operate legally and efficiently.
Can I use my UK EORI number after Brexit?
No. Since January 1, 2021, UK-issued EORI numbers are no longer valid within the European Union.
UK businesses must apply for a new EU EORI number—either in France or in the first EU Member State where they perform customs operations.
If you regularly ship through French ports, airports, or bonded warehouses, a French EORI registration is the most efficient solution.
Get Your French EORI Number
Let our French lawyers & paralegals manage your EORI registration quickly and compliantly.
More About EORI Registration in France
Do I need an EORI number to trade with the EU?
Yes. Any business importing or exporting goods to or from the EU must have a valid EORI number to clear customs.
Who can apply for an EORI number in France?
Both French and foreign companies can apply — whether registered in the EU or outside, as long as they trade with France.
What documents will I need?
You’ll need your company’s registration certificate, VAT number, ID of the legal representative, and proof of address.
How long does it take to obtain an EORI number?
Typically within 2–5 working days once all required documents are submitted to the French customs authority.
Can I apply remotely?
Yes. The entire EORI application process can be handled online through FrenchCo.lawyer without visiting France.
What are the typical costs?
Our fixed legal fee applies, with no hidden charges — covering application, verification, and confirmation of your EORI.
Is EORI registration linked to VAT?
Yes. Your EORI number is often associated with your VAT ID, ensuring smooth customs declarations and fiscal compliance.
Can I use one EORI number for all EU countries?
Yes. A French-issued EORI number is valid across all EU member states for import and export operations.
