Searching for an EORI number using only a company name sounds useful — especially when a carrier emails asking for your supplier's EORI before releasing goods. Unfortunately, no official UK or EU service offers this. This guide explains why, and the practical steps that do work.

Last updated: July 30, 2026

The short answer

You cannot check an EORI number by company name in the European Commission's EOS database or HMRC's GB register. Both systems require the full EORI number upfront. If you only have a business name, you must obtain the number through other channels first, then validate it.

EORI databases are designed for validation, not discovery. Customs authorities use them to confirm that a submitted number is registered and active at the moment of declaration — not to let third parties look up traders by name.

Privacy is another factor: trader name and address appear in validation results only when the EORI holder has consented to publication. Many valid numbers return status only, with no company details.

How to find an EORI number by company name (what actually works)

There is no name-search box, but five methods reliably get you the number:

1. Ask the business directly

The fastest route. Email your supplier, customer or logistics partner and request their EORI. Any regular importer or exporter will have it on file.

2. Check commercial documents

EORI numbers appear on:

  • Commercial invoices and pro forma invoices
  • Packing lists and shipping instructions
  • Customs entries (C88, CDS, SAD)
  • Carrier booking confirmations

3. Contact your freight forwarder or broker

If they cleared the shipment, they filed a declaration with the importer's EORI. Request a copy of the entry summary.

4. Derive your own number (UK/EU traders only)

If you are looking for your own EORI, you may be able to construct it from your VAT or company registration — then verify. See find your EORI number and EORI format.

5. Validate once you have the number

When you have a complete EORI (e.g. DE123456789012345), use our EORI checker to confirm it is valid and registered.

Getting a supplier's or buyer's EORI

In B2B trade the importer's EORI goes on the import declaration; the exporter's EORI may appear on export paperwork. For DDP shipments the seller may need a destination-country EORI. Clarify which party's number is needed before chasing the wrong contact.

Put a standard EORI field on your purchase orders and supplier onboarding forms to avoid last-minute courier holds.

Validate a known EORI number

Once you have the full number:

Invalid or unregistered numbers block customs clearance. Always check before goods arrive at the border.

Related guides

Find, format and validate EORI numbers.

EORI checker Find your EORI What is EORI?

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Frequently asked questions

No. Neither the EU EOS database nor HMRC provides a public search by business name. You can only validate a complete EORI number that you already have.

Unofficial tools may scrape or guess numbers from public data — results are unreliable for customs purposes. Always validate through official services or our checker once you have the number.

Ask them directly, check their commercial invoice or packing list, or look at the customs declaration your broker received. Importers and exporters are required to provide it for cross-border trade.

Not via a public name search. Use HMRC correspondence, your VAT records, or our find-your-EORI guide to locate your own number.

Ask the company directly, check their invoices or shipping documents, or ask your freight forwarder for the entry summary. If it is your own company, derive it from your VAT number and confirm with HMRC or the EU EOS system.

No official EU or UK tool searches by company name — only by the full EORI number itself. Third-party "lookup by name" tools are not connected to customs authorities and cannot be trusted for clearance decisions.