Is a GB EORI number valid in the EU?

No. EU declarations need an EORI number issued by an EU member state. Some reliefs for private individuals can be used without one; check with the destination customs authority.

ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the EU's advance safety and security system for goods entering the EU. For road and rail transport, ICS2 Release 3 applies from 1 April 2025.

Do all EU countries give relief on personal belongings?

Relief for people moving their normal residence exists across the EU, but each member state applies the conditions and asks for its own documents.

Do you handle customs in every country in the world?

No. Our customs enquiries cover movements between the UK and the EU.

EU Import & Export Customs Formalities

Customs services only — transport and removals are not included.

In short: EU customs formalities are the declarations and checks required by the customs authority of the EU member state where goods enter or leave the EU; for goods coming from Great Britain they include an import declaration, an EU EORI number for the declarant and ICS2 safety and security data.

The EU applies one customs code, but each member state runs its own customs authority, language, systems and national reliefs. A shipment from the UK into Germany is cleared by German customs; a shipment into Poland, by Polish customs.

Dimond Movers' remit is the UK and EU. We help you understand what the EU side of a UK–EU movement needs and prepare consistent paperwork. We do not claim customs brokerage in every country; where a local EU declarant is needed, we explain that clearly.

What the EU side usually needs

An EU EORI number for the importer or declarant. A GB EORI number is not valid for EU declarations.
An import declaration lodged in the member state of arrival, or a transit movement to an inland EU office.
Safety and security data under ICS2. For road and rail, ICS2 Release 3 applies from 1 April 2025.
Payment of EU duty (if any) and the import VAT of the member state, unless a relief applies.

Personal belongings moving to the EU

Most EU member states offer relief from duty and VAT for personal property of people transferring their normal residence. The conditions — such as how long you lived outside the EU, how long you owned the goods and the documents required — are applied by each national customs authority. Requirements and forms differ, so we always point you to the destination country's official guidance.

Leaving the EU for the UK

Goods leaving the EU for Great Britain need an EU export declaration in the member state of export, and then a UK import declaration on arrival. If both sides describe the goods the same way, clearance on each side is usually simpler.

Documents usually needed

EU EORI number of the importer/declarant (or confirmation that a relief route applies)
Commercial invoice or itemised inventory, preferably in a language the destination customs accepts
Packing list and commodity codes
Proof of origin if claiming zero tariff under the UK–EU agreement
For personal belongings: evidence of change of residence required by the member state

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a GB EORI number on an EU declaration.
Assuming every EU country handles personal belongings the same way.
Not supplying ICS2 safety and security data in time.
Inventory written in a format the destination customs will not accept.

Timing

Clearance in the EU depends on the national customs authority and any inspections. We do not promise clearance times in any member state.

Frequently asked questions

Is a GB EORI number valid in the EU?: No. EU declarations need an EORI number issued by an EU member state. Some reliefs for private individuals can be used without one; check with the destination customs authority.
What is ICS2?: ICS2 (Import Control System 2) is the EU's advance safety and security system for goods entering the EU. For road and rail transport, ICS2 Release 3 applies from 1 April 2025.
Do all EU countries give relief on personal belongings?: Relief for people moving their normal residence exists across the EU, but each member state applies the conditions and asks for its own documents.
Do you handle customs in every country in the world?: No. Our customs enquiries cover movements between the UK and the EU.

Official sources

Requirements are set by HMRC and EU customs authorities and can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026.