Shipping to Europe: How to Obtain an EORI and VAT Number
Practical guidance on customs identification and European tax-registration planning.
Read Guide →
BRF LOGISTICS · EUROPE IMPORT COMPLIANCE
EU Customs & Compliance
A successful shipment to Europe requires more than international freight. Importers and exporters must also consider customs classification, EORI identification, ICS2 / ENS data, customs value, import duty, VAT and applicable product or packaging compliance requirements.
EU Customs Clearance
EORI
ICS2 / ENS
Import Duty
Import VAT
PPWR
EU IMPORT COMPLIANCE HUB
EUROPE CUSTOMS PLANNING
Compliance Should Be Planned Before Cargo Leaves Origin
European customs clearance should not begin only after a shipment arrives at the port or airport. The importer structure, product classification, customs value, security data and relevant tax and compliance information should be reviewed during shipment planning.
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Confirm importer and customs representation structure
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Check HS / CN classification and detailed product description
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Confirm EORI and applicable VAT arrangements
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Prepare accurate transport and ICS2 / ENS data
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Evaluate customs duty and customs value
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Review applicable product and packaging requirements
CUSTOMS & COMPLIANCE TOPICS
Six Key Areas for Shipping Goods into Europe
Use the dedicated BRF guides below to understand each part of European import planning separately.
EU
EU Customs Clearance for Imports
Understand import declarations, customs documents, HS / CN classification, customs value and clearance preparation for goods entering the European Union.
EU Customs Clearance →
EORI
EORI Number for EU Imports
Learn why EORI identification matters, which customs party requires an EORI and why it should be confirmed before the shipment reaches Europe.
EORI Guide →
ICS2
ICS2 for Shipping to Europe
Understand Entry Summary Declaration data, pre-arrival security requirements and why precise cargo descriptions and transport information matter.
ICS2 / ENS Guide →
DUTY
EU Import Duty Explained
Explore how tariff classification, country of origin, customs value and applicable trade measures can influence import duty.
EU Import Duty →
IVA
Import VAT in Europe
Understand how import VAT fits into European landed cost, DDP planning and importer or tax-registration structures.
Import VAT Guide →
PPWR
EU PPWR & DDP Shipping
Understand why packaging compliance must be considered separately from freight, customs clearance, duty and VAT when importing goods into Europe.
PPWR Compliance →
EU IMPORT WORKFLOW
How European Customs & Compliance Fit Together
Shipping, customs, taxation and regulatory compliance are connected, but they are not the same responsibility.
1
Producto
Identify exactly what is being imported.
2
HS / CN Code
Determine the appropriate customs classification.
3
EORI
Confirm the customs economic operator.
4
ICS2 / ENS
Prepare accurate pre-arrival cargo data.
5
Customs
Import declaration and customs value.
6
Duty & VAT
Confirm applicable customs and tax structure.
7
Cumplimiento normativo
Product, packaging and market requirements.
EU CUSTOMS IDENTIFICATION
EORI: The Customs Identity Behind an EU Import
The Economic Operators Registration and Identification number is used to identify economic operators interacting with EU customs authorities.
For DDP, DAP and other European import structures, the parties should establish who is acting as importer, which EORI is being used and which customs representative is responsible for the declaration before cargo arrives.
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Importer identity
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EORI number
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Customs representative
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Declaration information consistency
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VAT arrangement where applicable
EU PRE-ARRIVAL SECURITY
ICS2 & ENS for Cargo Entering Europe
ICS2 is the EU's advance cargo information system used for safety and security risk analysis before goods enter the customs territory.
As of 1 June 2026, consignments entering the EU by the relevant transport modes should have the required ENS information submitted through the applicable ICS2 or transit process.
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Detailed product description
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Información sobre los códigos HS
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Consignor and consignee data
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Packages, weights and transport references
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Timely pre-arrival filing
LANDED COST
EU Import Duty, Customs Value & VAT
Freight cost is only one part of the landed cost. Importers should understand how customs classification, customs value, duty and VAT fit into the shipment.
Origin Logistics
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Transporte internacional de mercancías
+
EU Arrival Charges
+
Despacho de aduanas
+
Import Duty
+
Import VAT
+
Entrega final
= TOTAL LANDED COST
= TOTAL LANDED COST
CN
Classification & TARIC
Classification helps determine which EU customs tariff and trade measures may apply to an imported product.
EU Import Duty Guide →
IVA
Import VAT
VAT treatment depends on the destination, importer, tax registration and transaction structure and should be reviewed before quoting DDP.
Import VAT in Europe →
E+V
EORI & VAT Together
Read BRF's detailed guide explaining how customs identification and VAT planning interact when shipping commercial goods into Europe.
EORI & VAT Guide →
CUSTOMS DOCUMENTATION
Prepare the Import File Before Shipment
The exact document requirements depend on the commodity, origin country, destination country and applicable EU rules, but a commercial import file commonly begins with accurate shipping and customs information.
Factura comercial
Lista de equipaje
Bill of Lading / AWB
HS / CN Code
Country of Origin
Importer / EORI Details
Product Description
Compliance Documents
Importante:
Product-specific documentation may also be required.
Depending on the goods, this can involve technical,
safety, origin, environmental or market-compliance documents.
2026 EU PACKAGING COMPLIANCE
PPWR Adds Another Layer to European Import Planning
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation applies generally from 12 August 2026, with many individual requirements operating under their own implementation dates and transition periods.
For BRF customers, the important distinction is that DDP logistics and packaging compliance are not the same thing. A freight forwarder can coordinate transportation and customs, while the responsible economic operators must still evaluate applicable packaging and product obligations.
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Packaging type
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Packaging material
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Packaging weight
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Supplier / manufacturer information
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Available technical documentation
Compliance note:
DDP is a delivery term. It should not be interpreted as an
automatic guarantee that all EU product, packaging, VAT,
EPR, CE, REACH, CBAM or other regulatory obligations
are fulfilled. Applicable requirements depend on the actual
product and commercial structure.
DDP + COMPLIANCE
A Professional Europe DDP Structure Is More Than Freight + Tax
BRF recommends separating logistics responsibilities from customs, tax and regulatory responsibilities so every party understands the actual import structure.
Transporte
+
Customs
+
Duty
+
IVA
+
Product Compliance
+
Packaging Compliance
= PROFESSIONAL EUROPE IMPORT PLANNING
= PROFESSIONAL EUROPE IMPORT PLANNING
BRF EUROPE COMPLIANCE KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Read More About European Customs & DDP
These existing BRF articles provide deeper explanations for importers, exporters and international purchasing teams.
EORI + VAT
EU CUSTOMS
EORI Number Explained: EU Import & Customs Clearance
A detailed explanation of EORI, importer responsibilities and customs-clearance risks.
Read EORI Article →
ICS2 / ENS
ENS & ICS2 Explained: Europe Import Security Guide
Understand advance cargo data, filing responsibilities and European import-security requirements.
Read ICS2 Article →
PPWR 2026
PPWR & DDP Shipping to Europe
Detailed FAQ for importers covering packaging, importer, EORI, VAT and DDP compliance.
Read PPWR Article →
DDP / DAP
Port-to-Port, Door-to-Door or DDP All-In?
Understand what freight quotations actually include and where customs, duty and VAT responsibilities sit.
Compare Shipping Terms →
DOCUMENTATION
Essential Documents Required for International Shipping
Commercial shipping documents and customs information importers should prepare before cargo movement.
Read Document Guide →
CONNECTED LOGISTICS SERVICES
Connect Compliance With the Complete BRF Shipping Network
EUROPE DDP
DDP Shipping to Europe →
Global pickup, customs, duty/VAT planning and final delivery.
TRANSPORTE MARÍTIMO Sea Freight →FCL, LCL and international container transportation.
AIR CARGO Air Freight →Fast international freight for urgent commercial cargo.
DDP / DAP Door-to-Door Shipping →International freight, customs coordination and final delivery.
TRADE TERMS Incoterms Explained →Understand DDP, DAP, FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW and responsibilities.
GLOBAL NETWORK BRF Global Office →International offices and partner-agent logistics network.
REAL SHIPMENTS Project Cases →International cargo, customs and door-delivery case studies.
GET STARTED Contact BRF →Send cargo details for a customized international solution.
EU CUSTOMS FAQ
European Customs & Compliance FAQ
What is required for customs clearance when importing goods into the EU?
Requirements vary by product and transaction, but commercial imports generally require accurate importer details, EORI, customs classification, customs value, invoice, packing list, transport document and any product-specific compliance documents.
What is an EORI number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification. It is used to identify economic operators and other relevant parties in EU customs procedures.
What is ICS2?
ICS2 is the European Union's advance cargo information system. It supports pre-arrival safety and security risk analysis using Entry Summary Declaration information.
How is EU import duty determined?
Import duty can depend on customs classification, origin, customs value and applicable EU tariff or trade measures. The exact treatment should be checked for the specific commodity.
Is import VAT the same as customs duty?
No. Customs duty and VAT are separate components of the import cost structure. Their calculation and treatment depend on the actual product, importer, destination and tax arrangement.
Does DDP automatically mean all EU compliance is covered?
No. DDP defines delivery and cost responsibilities under the agreed trade term, but it does not automatically satisfy all product, packaging, tax, environmental or market-access rules.
Does PPWR affect goods shipped DDP into Europe?
PPWR can be relevant to packaging placed on the EU market, but packaging compliance should be evaluated separately from the DDP freight and customs arrangement.
Can BRF coordinate customs and DDP delivery to Europe?
BRF can coordinate international freight, destination customs processes and door delivery according to the route, cargo, destination and agreed importer structure.
EUROPE IMPORT PLANNING
Plan Customs Before Your Cargo Reaches Europe.
Send BRF your origin country, product details, HS code if available, cargo value and European destination. Our team can evaluate the freight route together with the customs and DDP structure required for the shipment.
Información que necesitamos
✓ Origin Country
✓ Pickup City
✓ Product Name
✓ HS / CN Code
✓ Cargo Value
✓ Country of Origin
✓ Gross Weight
✓ Total CBM
✓ Packaging Type
✓ Destination Country
✓ Delivery Postcode
✓ Importer Information