Despite campaigns by HMRC and Revenue, there has been a low uptake in the number of traders applying for a business registration to allow Irish and UK businesses to trade with each other after Brexit. We encourage traders to register as soon as possible.

It seems from Revenue figures that there has been a low uptake in the number of traders registering for an Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification (EORI) number. We understand from our discussions with HMRC officers that the uptake in the UK has also been low.

At a minimum, UK and Irish traders need to apply for this business registration if they want to continue trading with each other. This number will enable traders to make relevant customs declarations among other things and is a requirement for trading with countries outside of the EU. For UK traders, the UK government has advised that an EORI number will be required to continue to trade with the EU in the event of no-deal.

We understand that applying for an EORI number is very simple, can be done online at Revenue.ie or on Gov.uk and only takes a few days. We encourage traders to register as soon as possible.