AUTHOR: Amy Chesworth – Regulatory Compliance Co-Ordinator, EMEA
DATE:  January 2025

Starting 1 January 2026, French Customs will change how French EORI numbers are issued and accepted.An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is a unique customs ID required for businesses trading in or out of the EU. Previously, France gave a separate EORI for each branch of a company using the 14-digit SIRET number. From 2026, companies will get one EORI for the whole business, based on the 9-digit SIREN number.

Why does this matter?
If a company continues to use an old SIRET-based EORI, customs declarations in France may be delayed or rejected. Even businesses using a single EU EORI number for all European operations will now need a French SIREN-based EORI for activities in France.

Who is responsible for this update?
Updating the EORI number lies with the party who’s is registered to the FR EORI number. However, as a  freight forwarder, it is in Marken’s interest to proactively notify our clients and ensure they are aware of this change.

Who is affected?

• Companies with a French EORI starting with FR followed by 14 digits
• Companies registered in France
• Non-EU companies that hold a French EORI for operations in France

Key Benefits of the Change:

• Simplifies compliance: one EORI per company instead of multiple branch-level numbers
• Reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple EORIs
• Aligns France with EU-wide customs rules for consistency

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO NEXT?
Step 1: Identify your current EORI number

• If your EORI is SIRET-based or you are unsure, continue to Step 2.
  • You can check your number:
    • On official company documents like invoices, registration papers, or business certificates
    • By contacting your company’s local registration office (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce) or via professional service providers
• If your EORI is already SIREN-based, go directly to Step 4 to start using it.

Step 2: Confirm which number to use for French EORI purposes

• For customs, from 1 January 2026, only the SIREN number will be accepted for French EORI.
• Branch-level SIRET numbers will no longer be valid.

Step 3: Apply for a new French EORI number (if needed)

• Go to the SOPRANO portal on the French Customs Authority website Douane.gouv.fr
• Select “Request or update an EORI number”
• Complete the form and provide any documents as requested

You should receive your new EORI by email and in your SOPRANO dashboard, usually within 24–48 hours.

Step 4: Start using your new EORI

• Use the new SIREN-based EORI for all French customs declarations going forward.

Conclusion
Companies should review their EORI setup now and apply for a SIREN-based French EORI if required. Acting early ensures smooth customs operations in France and avoids disruptions from 2026 onwards.

Marken stays committed to supporting clients in navigating the regulatory and trade landscape of the global clinical supply chain. For more information or if you have any questions, contact our team at TradeCompliance@marken.com.

Source: https://cometrans-group.com/en/article/eori-siren-application-au-1er-janvier-2026/