Summary

When sending goods internationally, some destinations require a Tax ID number for either the shipper or the recipient. This article covers:

• What a Tax ID is

• When and why it’s required

• How it differs by country

• What happens if you can’t provide one

What is a Tax ID?

A Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) is a unique code issued by a government authority to identify individuals or businesses for tax purposes.

It’s used by Customs offices worldwide to ensure that goods entering a country are correctly declared and that taxes, if applicable, can be processed in the right name.

Each country uses its own version of a tax identifier. For example:

• In the UK, companies usually use a VAT number, and individuals are identified by a PAYE or National Insurance number

• In the EU, most importers and exporters have a VAT or EORI number

• In countries such as the USA, individuals and businesses use a TIN (Tax Identification Number) or EIN (Employer Identification Number)