Using your Dutch EORI number and Brexit

31/01/20

On 31 January 2020 the UK will officially leave the EU. However, a transition period will be active until 31 December 2020. What does this mean for companies that obtained a Dutch EORI number to replace their present UK EORI number after Brexit?

What does this mean for your company?

From the moment the UK actually leaves the EU – but taking the transition period into account– companies need to use an EU EORI number for trading in the EU.

In the Netherlands the Dutch customs authorities have already granted Dutch EORI numbers to companies which have a UK EORI number as well. As such, those companies have in fact two active EORI numbers in place.

The Dutch customs authorities have confirmed that even though Brexit will formally be realised per 31 January 2020, the Dutch EORI number may not be used until 1 January 2021. The latter as a transition period will be active until 31 December 2020, therefore the UK will still be treated as part of the EU during this transition period.

Should companies with a UK EORI number use the Dutch EORI number, they may run the risk that the Dutch customs authorities will withdraw the Dutch EORI number.