The EORI procedure in the German customs portal
Anyone importing or exporting goods outside the EU needs an EORI number. Since 1 October 2026 the only route in Germany is the customs administration's online portal. Here is which login you need, how the form is structured and how long it takes.
What is the EORI number?
The EORI number is an EU-wide unique identifier for economic operators in customs matters. In Germany it consists of "DE" followed by a sequence of digits. It is issued once and is valid indefinitely across the Union.
Who needs one?
- Companies, sole traders and freelancers with import or export business
- Online sellers sourcing goods from or shipping to non-EU countries
- Private individuals only if they file more than nine customs declarations a year
The login: ELSTER, online ID card or BundID
The portal requires identification. According to the portal help: sole traders, freelancers, registered merchants and private individuals get in with the German online ID card (AusweisApp), a BundID or an ELSTER account. Companies such as GmbH, UG, AG, KG or OHG need an ELSTER account on the company tax number. Signing in with email and password alone opens the portal but not the EORI service.
Plan ahead: the online ID card works immediately, a new ELSTER account takes 5 to 10 working days because the activation code is sent by post.
The form: four steps
"EORI-Nr. beantragen" consists of general details (name, legal form, address, tax number, largely pre-filled), further details (ELSTER tax number, main economic activity, fiscal representation, contact person, consent to the EU database), evidence (register extract or trade registration, PDF/JPG/PNG up to 20 MB) and review with the "Absenden" button.
Competent authority
The Generalzolldirektion, Dresden office, master data management remains responsible. The customs information service answers questions at +49 228 303-26050 (Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00) and info.eori@zoll.de. Form 0870 is only permitted as a fallback when the portal is unavailable.
The process in 5 steps
- 1
Get a login
Sole traders, freelancers and private individuals: German online ID card with the AusweisApp, a BundID or an ELSTER account. Companies (GmbH, UG, AG, KG, OHG): an ELSTER account on the company tax number. Email and password alone are not enough.
- 2
Sign in to the customs portal
Choose your login method at www.zoll-portal.de. On first use the portal creates your user account and asks for the profile type (business profile, also for sole traders).
- 3
Open the "EORI-Nr. Verwaltung" service
Search for "eori" under "Dienstleistungen". The tile offers: apply, change data, end, each also for branch numbers.
- 4
Complete the four form steps
General details (pre-filled from your identification), further details (tax number, main economic activity, consent to the EU database), evidence (register extract or trade registration, max. 20 MB), review.
- 5
Submit and check the inbox
After "Absenden" the application appears under "Vorgänge". The notice with your EORI number arrives in the portal inbox, usually after about a week according to customs.
Processing time
about 1 week
Customs' own figure for portal applications. Plus time to get a login if you do not have one yet.
Cost at customs
free of charge
The EORI number can always be applied for directly and free of charge in the customs portal.
Legal basis
The EORI number is based on the Union Customs Code (UCC), Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, in particular Art. 9, and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 (Art. 3, 5 to 7, Annex 12-01). The obligation to exchange data electronically via the portal follows from Art. 6(1) UCC.
Frequently asked questions
What is an EORI number?
The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is an EU-wide unique identifier for economic operators. It is required as soon as a business carries out customs activities, such as importing goods from or exporting to non-EU countries.
Who needs one?
All companies, sole traders and freelancers importing from or exporting to third countries. Private individuals only if they file more than nine customs declarations a year.
Does form 0870 still exist?
Only as a fallback when the customs portal is unavailable. Since 1 October 2026 the portal is the regular and only route (Art. 6(1) Union Customs Code).
Can someone file for me?
A representative would need their own portal registration, and the master data still comes from your own identification. In practice you file yourself. That is exactly what our Customs Portal Companion guides you through.
I am based outside Germany.
With an ELSTER account, a German online ID card or a BundID the portal works the same way. Without one of these you cannot access it, and we do not sell a guide for that situation. Please contact customs directly: info.eori@zoll.de.
What does it cost?
Applying at customs is free of charge. Our companion costs a one-off €69.90 and explains how to use the portal, online and as a PDF. You can apply without us at any time.
Not alone in the portal
The Customs Portal Companion shows every click with screenshots, matched to your legal form and login method. The guide is in German, like the portal.
Note: This is a private guide — not an offer by the Generalzolldirektion, German customs or any other authority. You file the application yourself in the customs portal. The EORI number can also be applied for free of charge directly from customs (zoll.de). Our fee covers the step-by-step guide and support only, not the number and not an assessment of your individual case.