Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
Quick Tips for Logistics Professionals
- Since 2023, French Customs has required economic operators to obtain new EORI numbers in the 9-digit “EORI SIREN” format (based on the SIREN number of their head office – FR+9 digits), instead of the 14-digit “EORI SIRET” number (linked to each establishment).
- Update January 2026: The new 9-digit “EORI SIREN” numbers were to be mandatory on the delta I/E system from January 1, 2026 – but in fact, DELTA IE and other national applications will accept 14-digit EORI SIRET numbers after January 1, 2026 for a period yet to be specified.
- Delta H7 Customs application for e-commerce / low-value imports already works exclusively on EORI SIREN.
- Obtaining an EORI number is fairly straight forward, so don’t delay!
- French customs are gradually deactivating the EORIs of closed establishments, blocking customs clearance using these numbers. Importers and exporters are requested to check the EORIs used on their customs declarations.
An EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is mandatory for any company or person carrying out customs operations with the European Union (import/export): company established in the EU or outside.
NB: this article updates our article dedicated to EORI evolutions published in December 2023.
EORI evolution in France: from SIRET to SIREN
Historically, France assigned EORI numbers in the form FR + SIRET (14 digits defining each establishment in France), which led some companies to manage several EORIs for the same group, with operational risks in the event of plant closure.
Since November 2023, Customs has been transitioning to a new format: EORI-SIREN(FR + 9 digits) are attached to the head office, in order to comply with the EU Customs Code, and prepare for the deployment of the DELTA I/E system at the end of 2025.
- See the dedicated page on the French Customs website.
EORI: the new 2026 calendar
The original timetable was for the new EORI numbers to come into force on January 1, 2026. However, the French Customs’ Comint1 office has announced a more flexible timetable:
- DELTA I/E and other national customs applications will continue to accept EORI-SIRETs after January 1, 2026 .
- Exception: DELTA H7, which concerns low-value e-commerce imports, already works exclusively with EORI-SIREN .
- The official timetable for the complete switchover to EORI-SIREN will be communicated by the French Customs autorities during 2026.
Eventually, 9-digit EORI-SIREN will be used in all customs applications.
Operational points of vigilance
- French Customs regularly updates the EORI database to invalidate EORIs linked to invalid SIRENs or SIRETs in the French national INSEE database. EORI-SIRETs linked to closed establishments are automatically deactivated, which can block customs clearance flows if these EORIs are still in use.
- If an EORI (SIREN or SIRET) is rejected in a customs application, it is essential to check the validity of the EORI in the European database.
How to get an EORI number in 2026?
An EORI number is issued free of charge by the customs administration of the relevant Member State, depending on the company’s place of business.
- Companies based in France: Application is made to the French Customs, via the online portal (SOPRANO / EORI). Allocation is generally rapid, within a few working days.
- Companies established in other EU Member States: Application must be made to the customs authorities in the Member State of establishment. The EORI number thus obtained is valid throughout the European Union.
- Company established outside the European Union
The EORI must be requested in the first EU member state where the company carries out a customs operation. In France, this procedure can be carried out by a customs representative subject to a written mandate.
Before applying, we recommend you check whether an EORI number already exists in the European database, to avoid duplication.
AEO-certified operators already have an EORI-SIREN and need take no further action.
