Export: Right to Export

The right to export basic goods is usually achieved with few requirements.

The following entities are authorized to export physical articles from the United Kingdom (UK):

Registered exporters
Licensed customs brokers acting under authority from a registered exporter
A person legally empowered to act as agent or attorney-in-fact for an exporter

Both companies and individuals are authorized to export into the UK as long as they are registered economic operators who have a Great Britain Economic Operator Registration and Identification (GB EORI) number. The EORI is used in all communications with customs authorities. In order to import goods into England, Wales, or Scotland, an EORI number that begins with the letters GB is required. If moving goods to or from Northern Ireland, an EORI number that starts with XI may be needed. For more information on applying for a GB EORI or XI EORI, visit www.gov.uk/eori/apply-for-eori.

To apply for a GB EORI number for value-added tax (VAT) registered entities, complete the online form at www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORIVAT?dept-name=&sub-dept-name=&location=43&origin=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

To apply for a GB EORI number for non-VAT entities, complete the online form at www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORINonVATImport?dept-name=&sub-dept-name=&location=43&origin=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

After applying, a GB EORI number will be issued immediately unless Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) needs to make any checks on the application. If they do, it can take up to five working days.

A trader who is already established in the UK may also register for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status, which enables the AEO trader to benefit from certain simplified customs procedures. (See the Special Provisions page for details.)