Can I Use My EORI Number for Importing from China?
Many European buyers, especially companies in Romania, often worry about customs compliance before they even place their first order on 1688. When purchasing products from multiple suppliers in China, one of their biggest concerns is whether they can use their own EORI number for imports.
They want to make sure their company remains the official Importer of Record, that VAT can be properly declared, and that all customs documents match their business information. This is particularly important for VAT-registered companies that need complete import records for accounting, tax reporting, and customs compliance.
In many cases, buyers are not simply looking for the cheapest sourcing agent. They are looking for a long-term sourcing partner who can provide Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, shipping documents, and support a compliant import process into the European Union.
This is why questions such as:
- Can I use my own EORI number?
- Will my company be the Importer of Record?
- Can you provide Commercial Invoices and Customs Documents?
- Can I use my own freight forwarder?
- Do you support DAP shipping to Romania?
are often among the first questions Romanian importers ask when sourcing products from China. For professional importers, having full control over customs clearance and maintaining transparent import records is often more important than simply finding the lowest product price.
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Can I Use My EORI Number for Importing from China?
The short answer is yes. In fact, if you are a registered company in the European Union, using your own EORI number is often the most professional and compliant way to import products from China.
Many buyers sourcing from 1688, Alibaba, or Chinese manufacturers ask the same question:
Can I use my own EORI number when importing from China?
The answer is generally yes. Most European companies can use their own EORI number, act as the official Importer of Record, and maintain full control over customs clearance, VAT reporting, and import compliance.
What Is an EORI Number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number.
It is a unique identification number used by customs authorities throughout the European Union.
If your company imports products from non-EU countries such as China, customs authorities typically require an EORI number to process your import declaration.
Without an EORI number, customs clearance may be delayed or impossible in many EU countries.
Why Do European Companies Use Their Own EORI Number?
Many experienced importers prefer using their own EORI number because it gives them full ownership and control over the import process.
- Your company becomes the official Importer of Record.
- Customs declarations are filed under your company name.
- VAT and duty payments are properly documented.
- Import records belong to your business.
- Easier VAT reporting and accounting.
- Better compliance with EU customs regulations.
- Greater transparency and long-term supply chain stability.
For companies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and other EU countries, using their own EORI number is considered standard practice.
What Is the Importer of Record?
The Importer of Record (IOR) is the party legally responsible for imported goods.
When you use your own EORI number:
- Your company becomes the Importer of Record.
- Your company is responsible for customs declarations.
- Your company pays import VAT and duties.
- Customs records are registered under your business.
This arrangement is commonly used with DAP (Delivered at Place) shipments and traditional freight forwarding arrangements.
Can a China Sourcing Agent Support My EORI Number?
Yes.
A professional sourcing company can purchase products on your behalf and provide all required export documents while allowing you to use your own EORI number.
Typical documents include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Shipping Documents
- Product Information
- Export Documentation
You can then use your own freight forwarder and customs broker to complete the import process.
This is a common arrangement among European businesses that want full control over customs clearance.
What Documents Are Required?
Commercial Invoice
A Commercial Invoice should include:
- Exporter information
- Importer information
- Product descriptions
- Quantity
- Unit price
- Total value
- Incoterms (DAP, FOB, EXW, etc.)
Packing List
The Packing List typically includes:
- Carton quantity
- Product quantity
- Gross weight
- Net weight
- Package dimensions
Shipping Documents
Depending on the shipping method, these may include:
- Bill of Lading
- Air Waybill
- Railway Transport Documents
Many European companies also request these documents for accounting, VAT filing, and customs audit purposes.
Can Small Shipments Use DAP Shipping?
Absolutely.
Many first-time importers mistakenly believe that DAP shipping is only available for large shipments or full containers.
In reality, DAP shipping can be used for both small and large shipments.
Air Freight DAP
Air freight DAP is commonly used for:
- Product samples
- Trial orders
- Small wholesale purchases
- Urgent shipments
Typical shipment sizes include:
- 30 kg
- 50 kg
- 100 kg
- 200 kg
Railway Freight DAP
Rail freight is often used for medium-sized shipments between China and Europe.
- 100 kg
- 300 kg
- 500 kg
- 1,000 kg
This option is often more economical than air freight while remaining faster than sea freight.
LCL Sea Freight DAP
LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping allows importers to share container space with other shipments.
- 0.5 CBM
- 1 CBM
- 2 CBM
- 5 CBM
This is one of the most popular methods for businesses importing products from 1688 because it offers lower freight costs without requiring a full container.
Why Do Some China Freight Forwarders Refuse Small DAP Shipments?
Many buyers are surprised when a freight forwarder says they cannot provide DAP shipping.
In most cases, the issue is not that DAP shipping is impossible.
The real reasons are often:
- Lower profit margins on small shipments.
- Additional customs coordination work.
- More communication with importers.
- Greater responsibility for delivery management.
As a result, some freight forwarders prefer offering DDP shipping instead.
What Do Experienced European Importers Do?
Many experienced European importers start with smaller shipments while using their own EORI number.
Stage 1: Market Testing
- 50 kg
- 100 kg
- 200 kg
Using Air Freight DAP or Railway DAP.
Stage 2: Regular Purchasing
- 300 kg
- 500 kg
- 1,000 kg
Using Railway DAP or LCL Sea Freight DAP.
Stage 3: Large-Scale Imports
- Full container loads
- Long-term inventory replenishment
Using FOB shipping terms and their own freight forwarder network.
This approach allows businesses to test products, control costs, and maintain customs compliance from the very beginning.
What If My Supplier Cannot Offer DAP Shipping?
This situation is very common.
Many Chinese factories focus on manufacturing and do not provide international logistics services.
When this happens, buyers usually choose one of the following options:
Option 1: Use Your Own Freight Forwarder
Your freight forwarder collects the goods directly from the supplier or sourcing agent and handles:
- International transportation
- Customs clearance
- Final delivery
Option 2: Use a Recommended Freight Forwarder
Many sourcing agents can recommend freight forwarders that regularly ship to Europe.
Option 3: Work With a Sourcing Agent
A sourcing company can:
- Purchase products from multiple suppliers.
- Consolidate shipments.
- Inspect products.
- Prepare export documents.
- Coordinate with your freight forwarder.
This is one of the most common arrangements used by European importers sourcing from 1688.
Is Using My Own EORI Number Better Than DDP Shipping?
DDP Shipping
With DDP shipping, the logistics provider typically handles customs duties and taxes.
Advantages:
- Easy process.
- Minimal involvement.
Disadvantages:
- Less transparency.
- Limited customs control.
- Import records may not belong directly to your company.
Using Your Own EORI Number
Advantages:
- Full customs control.
- Official import records.
- Better VAT compliance.
- Greater supply chain transparency.
- Easier long-term business growth.
Disadvantages:
- Requires customs clearance support.
- Requires a freight forwarder or customs broker.
For established European businesses, using their own EORI number is often the preferred long-term solution.
Can Supplyia Support Imports Using My EORI Number?
Yes.
At Supplyia, we regularly work with European importers who prefer to use their own EORI number and freight forwarder.
- Purchasing from 1688
- Supplier communication
- Price negotiation
- Product inspection
- Quality control
- Shipment consolidation
- Commercial Invoice preparation
- Packing List preparation
- Export document support
You may use your own freight forwarder, customs broker, and EORI number while we focus on managing your sourcing and supply chain operations in China.
Final Thoughts
If your company imports products from China regularly, using your own EORI number is generally the most professional and compliant approach.
It allows you to become the official Importer of Record, maintain complete customs records, simplify VAT reporting, improve compliance with EU regulations, and build a long-term transparent supply chain.
Whether you are importing 50 kg of trial products from 1688 or multiple containers from Chinese manufacturers, using your own EORI number gives your business greater control and flexibility throughout the import process.
