French customs authorities are implementing a transition to the “EORI SIREN” model, under which the EORI number will be assigned based on the company’s unique legal identifier (SIREN) rather than its business branch number (SIRET). This change is being implemented with the goals of ensuring compliance, simplifying customs procedures, and enhancing traceability through a unique identifier.
Current Status ( Today)
In France, the EORI is traditionally formatted as FR + SIRET (14 digits). The SIRET represents a branch or business unit of a company:
SIREN (9 digits) + branch code (5 digits) = SIRET (14 digits)
What's Changing in 2026?
The Intended New Approach
EORI registration will be conducted at the SIREN level (company headquarters/legal entity); in other words, the EORI will now be unique at the company level rather than at the branch level. New format: FR + SIREN (9 digits) = “EORI SIREN”.
Timing Note (Important)
According to official French announcements, the transition to EORI-SIREN is becoming mandatory alongside the new customs IT systems, and this requirement will take effect in the new systems once the IT transition period ends at the end of 2025.Additionally, the official announcement specifies a phased deactivation approach for EORI numbers containing a SIRET code, beginning in the second half of 2026; the exact date will be announced separately by the customs authority.
For this reason, it is recommended that you obtain an EORI SIREN number before 2026 to avoid operational risks.
Why Is It Changing?
Simplification: The need to manage multiple EORI numbers for different branches of the same company is reduced. EU compliance/harmonization: Systems in other EU countries typically operate based on a single legal identity (similar to the SIREN system); therefore, transitioning to the SIREN level reduces the risk of bottlenecks that might occur in the systems of other member states.
Who Is Affected?
Companies based in France; all businesses engaged in import/export; firms that handle processes such as declarations, transit, and permits/applications at French customs (particularly for trade with non-EU countries)
Also:
AEO-certified operators generally already have an EORI SIREN number, and in most cases, re-registration may not be necessary.
Technical Example
Old format: FR + 14-digit SIRE; New format: FR + 9-digit SIREN
What Should Be Done? (Practical Action List)
1) Check your current EORI number
If your EORI number is FR + 14 digits (SIRET-based), you should plan for the EORI-to-SIREN transition. If your EORI number is FR + 9 digits (SIREN-based), you are most likely already compliant with the target format.
2) Submit your EORI SIREN application or update your information
The application is submitted through the French Customs SOPRANO EORI online service; official sources also state that the application is free of charge.
3) Complete the IT and operational adjustments
Update the EORI fields in systems such as ERP, customer master records, customs broker instructions, and carrier systems to support the FR+SIREN format. In organizations that use branch-based EORI numbers, redesign process flows to use a single EORI-SIREN number (authorization, declarant, representation relationships, etc.).
4) Be mindful of the transition period (potential for dual use)
French Customs has noted that some legacy systems may require EORI SIRET during the transition period, while new systems will primarily operate with EORI SIREN. Therefore, to avoid operational disruptions, you may need to manage both SIRET and SIREN EORI codes simultaneously for a period of time, depending on your current workflows.
Brief Notice
Since this change directly affects customs declarations and customs systems in terms of identity verification, an incorrect EORI format—particularly during the period from late 2025 to early 2026—could create a risk of delays or blockages in the declaration process. According to official announcements, the phased closure of SIRET-based EORI numbers will proceed throughout 2026.