EORI Registration in Switzerland

The Economic Operator Registration and Identification system (EORI) was launched by the European Commission in 2009 to streamline customs procedures and reduce administrative burdens for companies trading within the European Union (EU). While originally designed for EU-based businesses, the system was expanded to include non-EU companies that engage in import and export activities with EU member states.

EORI replaced the older Trader’s Unique Reference Number (TURN) system, offering faster and more efficient customs clearance processes. It reduces the documentation required for certain goods and accelerates the entire procedure of moving goods across borders.

Although Switzerland is not part of the EU, its companies greatly benefit from access to the EORI system due to the country’s multiple trade agreements with the EU. Swiss businesses involved in cross-border trade can also Invest in Switzerland to further enhance their economic standing in the region. This includes the ability to engage in simplified import/export operations and benefit from integrated customs procedures when dealing with EU nations.

Swiss companies that intend to carry out trade activities with EU member states must comply with the EORI system, even if EORI registration does not take place in Switzerland itself. Companies considering entering the Swiss market or expanding operations can explore the option to Open a Foundation as a strategic move to manage assets effectively. Instead, they must obtain an EORI number from the first EU country in which they conduct customs operations.

Our company formation consultants in Switzerland are fully equipped to assist businesses and individuals in securing EORI numbers for seamless trade across European borders.

One of the core requirements for Swiss companies to obtain an EORI number is registering for VAT. While not all Swiss businesses are obligated to register for VAT under local laws—particularly if they fall below the revenue threshold—for EORI purposes, VAT registration becomes mandatory.

This requirement ensures that the economic operator is recognized by the customs authority of the EU country in which the EORI number is issued. To streamline the process and adhere to legal requirements, it is essential to understand the Employment Law applicable to Swiss economic operators. Therefore, even small enterprises or sole traders intending to export or import goods within the EU must apply for a VAT number in Switzerland.

The customs authority in the EU country issuing the EORI number will verify the validity of the Swiss VAT registration as part of the process. If the business lacks a VAT number, the application will be denied.

Our consultants in company registration and tax compliance in Switzerland can guide you through the VAT registration process, ensuring you meet the legal and procedural requirements necessary to apply for EORI.

Entrepreneurs planning to start companies in Switzerland that engage in import or export activities should be aware of the legal requirements that apply in 2025. Business owners can also consider the potential to Open a Hedge Fund as an alternative investment vehicle in the Swiss market. A crucial aspect of the registration process involves obtaining a UID (Enterprise Identification Number), which has been mandatory since 2014. This number is utilized by various Swiss authorities, including the Commercial Register and the VAT Office.

As of January 1, 2016, the Federal Customs Administration mandates that all customs declarations submitted by Swiss businesses must include the UID number. Without it, customs processing is not possible. Our team of company formation specialists in Switzerland is ready to assist with securing this number and navigating the related obligations.

Although EORI registration is not performed in Switzerland, Swiss businesses that operate in the EU or perform customs-related activities tied to EU jurisdictions are still required to hold an EORI number. In 2025, this obligation continues for all companies engaging in customs operations within the EU.

EORI registration must be completed in the EU country where the Swiss company first acts as a customs declarant. Without an EORI number, goods may be blocked at the border by customs authorities, resulting in costly delays.

Therefore, Swiss entities trading with the EU must initiate EORI registration in advance of their customs activities to avoid disruption. Our consultants can support you throughout this process, ensuring all legal obligations are fulfilled on time.

When importing goods into Switzerland, businesses—especially those located outside the country—must follow a series of specific customs and regulatory procedures. EU-based companies, in particular, are required to present their EORI numbers when engaging with Swiss customs authorities.

Swiss regulations mandate that all companies importing goods, whether from within the EU or outside it, must ensure full compliance with customs declarations and obtain clearance for all goods entering the country. For companies engaging in extensive trade, the Import and Export in Switzerland guidelines provide essential compliance information for cross-border transactions.

This process includes:

These regulations apply to all stakeholders in the supply chain, including importers, exporters, logistics providers, and freight forwarders. Failure to present a valid EORI number and follow clearance protocols may result in delays, penalties, or seizure of goods.

For companies outside the EU, including those from Switzerland, customs clearance is mandatory before goods can circulate in the Swiss market. Our company formation consultants in Switzerland provide tailored support for businesses navigating customs procedures, including assistance with documentation and liaison with customs officials.

In 2025, Swiss companies involved in trading with the European Union must obtain an EORI number before engaging in customs-related activities. Even though the EORI system is not managed domestically in Switzerland, its application is mandatory for businesses interacting with EU customs systems.

EORI registration becomes necessary when Swiss businesses:

These obligations extend to both legal entities and individuals operating as sole traders. Acquiring an EORI number facilitates streamlined customs operations, reduces paperwork, and ensures uninterrupted trade flow with EU partners.

Our Swiss company formation experts can assist businesses with understanding the scope of EORI obligations and securing registration where necessary. Whether you're setting up a new company or expanding into EU markets, proper registration is essential to avoid customs delays or penalties.

Even though Switzerland is not part of the EU, Swiss companies can still obtain EORI numbers through EU member states. This mechanism enables Swiss economic operators to comply with EU customs regulations and conduct business seamlessly across European borders.
Swiss companies are required to register for an EORI number in the first EU country where they engage in customs-related activities. The EORI number is then recognized across all EU member states.

This applies to:

Under Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92, economic operators from outside the EU must complete EORI registration upon their first customs operation. For Swiss businesses, this means registering in the country where their goods first enter or exit the EU.

Obtaining an EORI number requires the Swiss operator to provide a valid VAT number, company identification documents, and sometimes proof of trade activities. Once assigned, the number becomes a vital identifier used in all future customs declarations.

Our team of specialists in company formation and customs compliance can support you in preparing and filing the required documentation, ensuring swift and compliant access to EU markets.

For Swiss companies engaged in trading activities within the European Union, obtaining an EORI number is a prerequisite before customs operations can begin. The registration process is standardized across all EU member states and requires the company to register in the country where it first conducts customs activities.

The application typically includes the following steps:

It’s important to note that the EORI number issued by the first EU country can be used for customs operations across the entire EU territory. Businesses are not required to register in each country individually.

Some EU countries, such as Germany and Italy, offer simplified processes for Swiss companies due to linguistic and geographical proximity. However, EORI numbers can also be obtained in countries such as Hungary or Croatia, depending on the company’s trade routes and preferences.

Setting up a business in Switzerland does not automatically provide EORI registration, which is why it is crucial for business owners to consult with professionals before initiating cross-border operations. Our advisors are available to guide you through the EORI application process efficiently.

In 2025, Swiss companies intending to conduct customs operations within the European Union must apply for an EORI number in the first EU country where such operations will take place. This procedure ensures compliance with EU customs legislation and the smooth transit of goods across EU borders.

The process is straightforward and includes the following key steps:

It is essential that the EORI application be submitted and approved before any shipment reaches the EU. Customs declarations without an active EORI number will be rejected, leading to costly delays or potential penalties.

The processing time for an EORI number is typically between 2 to 5 business days, although this may vary depending on the country of application and the accuracy of the documents provided.

Our consultants are available to assist Swiss businesses in preparing and submitting the required documentation, and in selecting the most appropriate EU country for EORI registration based on the company’s trade flows and logistics preferences.

Sole traders in Switzerland can also be involved in cross-border trade activities, and in such cases, they are required to obtain an EORI number just like larger companies. The registration process is similar, but simplified for individuals.

To register for an EORI number, a Swiss sole trader must:

The customs authorities in the EU will assign an EORI number to the individual trader, which will then be used for all customs operations. It’s important to apply for this number before engaging in trade activities, as failure to do so may result in customs delays or denied shipments.

Swiss sole proprietors benefit from the same advantages as companies when it comes to EORI use, including faster customs clearance and reduced administrative burdens. Our team in Switzerland is ready to assist sole traders with both VAT and EORI registration, ensuring that all legal steps are taken efficiently.

Switzerland remains a top destination for international businesses that establish branch offices or subsidiaries within its borders. When it comes to EORI registration, it is essential to distinguish between these two types of business entities, as the procedures and requirements differ.

Subsidiaries are considered independent legal entities under Swiss law. Therefore, they must apply for their own EORI numbers when engaging in customs activities with EU countries. The application process for subsidiaries is identical to that of local companies and includes VAT registration, proof of incorporation, and valid identification of representatives.

Branches, on the other hand, are extensions of a foreign parent company and do not possess separate legal personality. As such, branches cannot apply for their own EORI numbers. Instead, they use the EORI number of the parent company. The parent entity must already be registered in the EORI system to ensure legal customs operations by its branch in Switzerland.

For EU-based parent companies, it is likely that an EORI number already exists. However, for non-EU companies, special care must be taken to ensure compliance with EORI requirements prior to initiating trade.

Our specialists in Switzerland can help determine the correct registration path for your business model and support both branch and subsidiary formations, as well as their related EORI compliance obligations.

The EORI number assigned to a Swiss economic operator is based on a standardized format established by EU customs authorities. It combines the ISO country code of the issuing EU state with the trader’s unique identifier—typically, the VAT number.

For example, if a Swiss company registers for EORI in Germany, the number will begin with “DE”, followed by the Swiss company’s VAT number or a unique sequence assigned by German Customs. This number remains valid across all EU countries and does not need to be changed for operations in different member states.

Key features of the EORI format include:

Once a company is registered, the number is automatically uploaded into the EU-wide EORI database accessible by customs offices across all member states. There is no need to reapply when expanding to other EU markets.

Our advisors can assist with verifying whether your Swiss business already has an EORI number or with structuring the correct identifier for efficient registration.

Swiss businesses that have previously registered for an EORI number may at some point need to cease customs operations within the EU. In these cases, they have the option to request de-registration from the EORI system. This is done by submitting an official application to the customs authority of the EU country that issued the EORI number.

De-registration is usually a straightforward process, requiring the business to:

When the business resumes customs operations in the future, re-registration is possible. In most cases, the same EORI number is reactivated, as the company remains in the EORI database unless significant legal or structural changes have occurred.

This continuity ensures that previous customs records remain accessible and reduces bureaucratic steps for resuming operations.

In 2025, EORI registration remains a key tool for facilitating seamless trade within the European Union, and managing the status of an existing EORI number—whether for deactivation or reactivation—helps ensure ongoing compliance with customs requirements.

Swiss companies and individuals that engage in customs operations with EU member states may need to verify the validity of an EORI number. This is particularly important in cases where a company has undergone structural changes such as a merger or acquisition.

There are two key scenarios:

To verify the status of an EORI number, economic operators can use the official EORI validation tool provided by the European Commission.

This online tool allows users to:

The EORI database is regularly updated and publicly accessible, which makes it a useful resource for customs authorities and businesses alike.

Our company registration agents in Switzerland can assist in conducting EORI checks and advise on how to proceed if a number is found to be invalid, expired, or needs to be updated.

According to the most recent data collected by the Federal Customs Administration, Switzerland continues to play a key role in international trade. The country maintains well-established import and export flows, particularly with EU member states, thanks to its trade-friendly legal and financial infrastructure.

Swiss customs authorities have reported detailed figures on the volume and value of cross-border trade. In addition to aggregated data, traders can request customized reports based on specific goods categories or partner countries. This information helps companies adjust their logistics and business models in line with market trends.

Companies and individuals interested in Swiss customs activity can also consult sector-specific export requirements, such as licensing rules for controlled products, restrictions on dual-use goods, and standards for food and pharmaceutical imports.

Our consultants in Switzerland are available to provide tailored insights into import-export procedures, including legal obligations, applicable tariffs, and documentation standards.

Switzerland remains one of the most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Europe.

Based on the latest statistics:

Switzerland does not impose general restrictions on foreign ownership. However, certain strategic sectors, including banking, real estate, and securities, may require government clearance prior to finalizing investments.

Our Swiss company formation specialists are ready to assist foreign investors with due diligence, compliance procedures, and tailored legal support for investing in or exporting to Switzerland.

EORI registration plays a crucial role in enabling Swiss companies and entrepreneurs to operate efficiently within the EU customs framework. Although not directly governed by Swiss legislation, it is indispensable for those conducting cross-border trade.

By securing a valid EORI number, Swiss businesses gain access to a streamlined customs clearance process, better compliance oversight, and integration into the broader EU economic system. Whether you are a sole trader, branch office, or large corporation, having an EORI number is essential for trading in 2025 and beyond.

Our consultants are here to guide you through the EORI registration process, as well as offer support with company formation, VAT registration, and import-export compliance in Switzerland and the EU.