At Lil Packaging, we’re all about making your deliveries simple, sustainable, and compliant, no matter where your packaging products are headed.
If you’re shipping outside the UK or to Northern Ireland, you may need an EORI number or a TSS reference to ensure your parcels clear customs without delays.
This page explains both, with links to official guidance and tools to help you register before you ship.
What is an EORI Number?
EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification.
It’s a unique number used by customs authorities to identify businesses and individuals who import or export goods between Great Britain, the EU, or other international destinations.
Why EORI Matters
- Enables faster customs clearance and tracking.
- Identifies the business responsible for the shipment.
- Required for importing, exporting, or lodging customs declarations.
You’ll need an EORI number if you’re:
- Shipping goods between Great Britain and the EU.
- Sending goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
- Submitting import or export declarations.
EORI Number Format
An EORI number starts with a country code (e.g. GB for Great Britain, XI for Northern Ireland) followed by a unique identifier.
Example: GB123456789000
How to Get an EORI Number
Apply online via the UK Government’s official portal:
It’s free and typically issued within a few working days. You’ll receive your number by email once approved.
What is TSS (Trader Support Service)?
When shipping from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, you may also need to use the Trader Support Service (TSS), a government-backed system that helps businesses handle the paperwork and customs declarations required under the UK–UK-Northern Ireland trade arrangements.
How TSS Helps
- Submits import and safety declarations on your behalf.
- Guides you through customs and transit documentation.
- Keeps your Northern Ireland deliveries compliant and moving smoothly.
Register for TSS:
Register for Trader Support Service on GOV.UK
Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in Shipping
In maritime contexts, TSS can also mean Traffic Separation Scheme, a navigational system that keeps sea lanes organised and reduces collision risk in busy waters (like the English Channel).
While unrelated to packaging deliveries, it’s useful to know this distinction if you work with freight or maritime shipping partners.
How Lil Packaging Captures EORI & TSS Details
To make your checkout experience seamless, we’ve added fields in our shopping cart for you to enter your EORI or TSS reference where required.
This ensures your shipment meets all customs requirements before dispatch, saving time and preventing hold-ups.
Delivering Sustainably, Internationally
From eco-friendly packaging to transparent delivery processes, Lil Packaging ensures every parcel arrives efficiently and responsibly.
Whether you’re sending to Spain, Belfast, or beyond, understanding EORI and TSS helps us keep your shipments fast, compliant, and carbon-conscious.
