EORI number for import/export (AEAT)

What to have ready

1. Certificado digital o Cl@ve (to access the Sede de la AEAT).
2. NIF definitivo (company or autónomo). If it’s a sociedad, registered in the Registro Mercantil.
3. Correct census data (Modelo 036/037 already filed). If your address or activity is wrong, they’ll stop the process.
4. Poderes/apoderamiento if a gestor files it. Without being apoderado in AEAT, the system will reject them.

Documentation

1. NIF de la empresa/autónomo and DNI/NIE of the representative.
2. Escritura and nombramiento de administrador (sociedades) in case they ask for it at the office.
3. Poder notarial or apoderamiento electrónico in AEAT.
4. Proof of census registration (Modelo 036/037) already submitted.

Step by step

1. Check if you already have an EORI. If you ever filed a DUA, it might exist. Go to the Sede de la AEAT > Aduanas and search EORI to consult/register.
2. Register online: log in with certificado or Cl@ve to Aduanas > Operadores económicos > EORI > Alta. The form pulls your census data. Check email and phone; they may contact you if there are issues.
3. Sign and submit. If everything matches, they assign the EORI instantly (usually ES + NIF). Save the receipt.
4. In person (if you can’t do it online): book cita previa in Aduanas from the Sede de la AEAT. Take NIF, DNI, powers and escrituras if you’re a company.
5. Updates: if you change company name or address, go to EORI > Modificación and update. Don’t wait until the container is at the port.

Time-saving tips

1. Sort the census first: if Modelo 036/037 is wrong (address, name, activity), the EORI registration stalls.
2. Apodera the gestor in the Registro de apoderamientos before booking the appointment or opening the form. Two minutes that prevent a slammed door.
3. Use certificado if you can: it’s more stable than Cl@ve when signing the registration.
4. Check the EORI on your DUAs the first time: it must match exactly (prefix ES + NIF) and the operator must be correct.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Provisional NIF: they won’t give you an EORI. Wait for the definitive one or your clearance will be blocked.
2. Outdated data: you changed address or administrator and didn’t update AEAT; the EORI fails when data is cross-checked.
3. No powers: the gestor tries to submit without apoderamiento and the system rejects it.
4. Thinking EORI expires: it doesn’t expire, but if you change details and don’t update them, customs will block you.
5. Going in person without a cita: Aduanas normally requires an appointment. Book it first or you’ll waste the trip.