International Shipping Numbers Explained
Sending overseas comes with a handful of ID and tax numbers that customs authorities use to clear your parcel and collect the right VAT, GST or duty. EORI, IOSS, VOEC, ABN, IRD: it's a lot of acronyms, and it's not always obvious which one you need or when.
This guide explains each number in plain terms, so you know exactly what it's for, when Interparcel will ask for it, and what happens if you leave it out.
If you're looking for the step-by-step on completing your customs paperwork, start with How to Fill Out Your Commercial Invoice.
How Interparcel Handles These Fields
Interparcel gives you the fields to enter these numbers, and shows them when they could apply to your shipment. Whether you actually need a number depends on three things:
- Where you're sending (the destination country's rules)
- Who you're selling to (a consumer, B2C, or a business, B2B)
- The value of the goods (above or below the destination's threshold)
Here's the part that matters: most of these numbers are optional, and a missing one won't block your booking. Interparcel lets the order go through either way, so it's up to you to know whether your shipment needs a number and to add it if it does. If a required one is left out, customs can hold, delay or return the parcel, or charge your customer on delivery. The sections below explain when each number applies, so you can work out what you need.
You can also save your numbers once in your International Settings, and they'll fill in automatically on future orders.
EORI Number (EU and UK)
What it is: An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a customs ID used across the EU and UK to identify businesses that import or export goods. It's a customs number, not a VAT number, so the two are separate.
When it's needed: Mainly for B2B shipments into the EU or UK. Customs needs to identify the importing business, so you'll usually be asked for the receiving company's EORI number. Ask your business customer for it before you ship, as the carrier needs it to clear the parcel. If your own business acts as the importer or exporter, you may also hold and provide your own EORI (a "GB" EORI for the UK, an EU EORI for the EU).
What happens if it's missing: The parcel can stop at customs and won't clear until the number is supplied, which means delays, possible storage costs, or a return.
IOSS Number (EU, consumer sales)
What it is: The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU VAT scheme that lets you collect VAT at checkout on B2C orders valued at €150 or less, instead of your customer paying it on arrival.
When it's needed: It's optional, but recommended for consumer sales into the EU up to €150. If you sold through a marketplace that handles IOSS, you don't need your own number: choose the Sold via marketplace option when choosing who pays for duties and taxes, and the marketplace's IOSS is applied for you.
What happens if you leave it out: The order still ships, but your customer is charged VAT plus a carrier handling fee on delivery. That usually means a slower, more frustrating experience and more "where's my parcel" messages. With IOSS, the VAT is sorted up front.
Worth noting: From 1 July 2026, the EU removed the €150 duty-free threshold and applied a small customs duty per item on low-value consumer parcels, so some duty may apply even on cheaper orders. IOSS still covers the VAT side.
VOEC Number (Norway, consumer sales)
What it is: VOEC (VAT On E-Commerce) is Norway's scheme that lets foreign sellers collect VAT at checkout on low-value goods, meaning items under NOK 3,000 (not counting shipping and insurance).
When it's needed: For B2C sales into Norway of goods under NOK 3,000, once you're VOEC-registered. Registration becomes compulsory once your sales to Norwegian customers pass NOK 50,000 in a 12-month period.
What happens if it's missing: Goods can be stopped at the Norwegian border and reassessed for VAT and duties. If the VOEC number isn't provided correctly, there's a real risk of your customer being taxed twice, along with extra fees and delays.
ABN (Australian Business Number)
What it is: Your ABN is the number that identifies your business in Australia. On an international order, it's your export-side business ID.
When it's needed: On shipments where the export needs your business identified. Interparcel shows the field when it's required, so you don't have to guess.
What happens if it's missing: It identifies you as the exporting business, so providing it helps your parcel clear the Australian export side smoothly and keeps your documentation consistent.
IRD Number (New Zealand)
What it is: An IRD number is New Zealand's tax identifier, issued by Inland Revenue. For sellers, it's tied to GST registration.
When it's needed: For sales into New Zealand, particularly once you're GST-registered there. Registration becomes compulsory once your sales to New Zealand pass NZ$60,000 a year. New Zealand charges GST on imported goods, and applies GST and duty once a shipment's value goes over NZ$1,000.
What happens if it's missing: It can lead to clearance delays or your customer being charged GST on delivery, rather than it being handled cleanly at the point of sale.
Other Numbers You Might See
Depending on the destination, you may also be asked for a VAT registration number. For example, a UK VAT number applies to consumer sales into the UK on consignments up to £135, where VAT is collected at the point of sale rather than on delivery.
Other Relevant Guides
How to Fill Out Your Commercial Invoice
How to Set Up Your International Settings
Didn't Find What You're Looking For?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your integration or questions about how to send your order simply email us at shippingtools@interparcel.com.au, and we'll provide the assistance you need.