Bulgaria EORI Registration for EU Importers and Exporters

What an EORI is

The Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is the EU-wide identifier customs authorities use for every business that imports, exports, or transits goods across an EU border. Without one, your shipment doesn't clear.

Who needs it

• Any Bulgarian company importing from outside the EU (China, UK, US, etc.)
• Any Bulgarian company exporting outside the EU
• Companies trading goods on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify with non-EU fulfilment
• Companies handling DDP shipments to non-EU buyers
• Forwarders, customs brokers, and warehouses

Pure intra-EU B2B sales generally do not need EORI — VIES is the relevant regime.

How to register in Bulgaria

EORI is issued by Bulgarian Customs (Агенция Митници):

1. Prepare: UIC, articles of association, ID of legal representative, power of attorney if filing through an agent
2. File online via the Customs portal (qualified electronic signature required) or in person at the regional customs directorate
3. Decision: typically 1-3 working days
4. Your EORI = BG + your 9-digit UIC + padded zeros (BG followed by 13 digits)

Cost

Free. Beware "agencies" charging EUR 200+ for what is a free state procedure.

Combining with IOSS / OSS

• OSS (One-Stop Shop) — for B2C distance selling of goods within the EU
• IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) — for B2C imports of consignments under EUR 150 into the EU
• Bulgaria is a common base for IOSS registration because of the low corporate tax + EU access

Common pitfalls

• Filing for EORI before the company is fully registered → rejection
• Wrong representative (must be a director or formally authorised agent)
• Forgetting to update EORI when company name or address changes
• Using a UK EORI for EU shipments post-Brexit — UK and EU EORIs are now separate

After registration

• Add EORI to all commercial invoices, packing lists, and AWBs
• Provide to your freight forwarder and customs broker
• Set up an EU customs decision portal account for binding tariff information and AEO applications if scaling

Bottom line

EORI is mandatory, free, and quick — but goods movement plans should account for the 1-3 day issuance window before your first shipment, not after.