The EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is a mandatory identification code for any economic operator performing customs operations in the European Union. Introduced in 2009, it is the 'customs fiscal code' for EU businesses. Format: country code (2 letters) + national code (up to 15 alphanumeric characters). In Italy: IT + VAT number; in France: FR + SIRET; in Germany: DE + numeric code. Each operator registers in one EU Member State only, and the EORI is valid across the entire EU. How to apply: in Italy, via the ADM's AIDA portal; in France, at the local customs office; in Germany, at the Generalzolldirektion. Registration is free, typically activated within 1-3 business days. For Switzerland: Switzerland does not use the EORI system. Swiss operators performing EU customs operations must obtain an EORI by registering in an EU Member State. For Swiss customs operations, the equivalent is the BAZG Business Partner ID (under DaziT).