EORI as first step to cooperation with EU
6 February, 2026
19
If your company is planning to conduct foreign economic activity with EU countries, the first mandatory step is to obtain EORI number. The client, a company registered in Liberia planning to conduct foreign economic operations in Bulgaria, recently applied to Interlegal. A Bulgarian EORI number was required for customs clearance.
EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a unique identification code used by EU customs authorities to register participants in foreign economic activity and to simplify customs procedures.
When is EORI number required?
EORI is required for registration of any customs procedures in the European Union. In particular:
· import or export of goods;
· transit or temporary storage of goods;
· vessel call with cargo on board at the EU port;
· transshipment through the EU territory by road, sea or air transport;
· participation of the company as a declarant, carrier or customs representative;
· cooperation with European counterparties, for whom EORI means a transparent and identifiable company.
For non-resident companies registered outside the EU, EORI number shall be assigned in the EU country where the first customs operation is carried out. In our case, the Liberian company carried out the first customs operation in the EU, namely in Bulgaria.
Result by Interlegal
In order to successfully obtain the number, we contacted customs authority of the Republic of Bulgaria.
On our part, se drawn up and submitted a full set of documents, from corporate documents and contracts up to duly certified power of attorney in the name of representative for filing documents to customs office.
As a result, Interlegal law team provided full support and facilitated obtaining EORI at all stages, from drawing up documents and filing application up to communication and coordination with the Bulgarian customs offices.
After passing all the necessary checks and upon completing procedure, the company received an official certificate of EORI number, which allows it to enjoy all the benefits of EORI, namely:
· to pass quickly and smoothly customs formalities in the EU countries;
· to avoid delays during import, export and transit;
· to secure transparency and compliance with international customs rules;
· to confirm lawfulness of its activities before banks, partners and regulatory authorities.
Interlegal senior associate Alyona Remenyak and junior lawyer Kateryna Havryliuk, managed by partner Irina Voyevodina, led the project.
