On August 21, 2019, the government of the United Kingdom (UK) announced plans to automatically assign Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) numbers to over 88,000 businesses in an effort to accelerate Brexit preparations.
Without an EORI number, UK businesses – including those not VAT-registered – will be unable to continue trade with European Union member states. According to the press release, over 72,000 businesses have already registered for an EORI number.
The UK is scheduled to leave the European Union on October 31, 2019.
The press release may be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-accelerates-brexit-preparations-for-businesses
