Alibaba is asking me for a tax number without the country ID? (UK)

[Tomdelongste]

Hi everyone. New here, and new to having a small solde trader business so sorry if this is a silly question.
I get some products made on Alibaba, I just put in a larger order than usual and got an email from them saying [Action Required] Sign up for UK tax exemption.
I am trying to sign up, but it asks for my UK tax ID minus the country ID. After searching I can see the closest code seems to be the UTR , but that's a 10 digital code, and the requirement is a 9 digit code, which I assume is removing the country ID. However I cannot find any information online at all about the country ID number to confirm this so I am a bit stuck with how to find this.
Man this stuff is real stressful!
Any help is really appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[Shipping Guru]

Good afternoon. To import anything into the UK you need to be EORI registered. Without this you are unable to import or export anything as a company.

 

[Tomdelongste]

Good afternoon. To import anything into the UK you need to be EORI registered. Without this you are unable to import or export anything as a company.

hello thank you for the reply.
I never had any issues buying on Alibaba before, but is it because it's a larger order then? Either way I did actually get an EORI code a little while back I think, but even so it seems to be 2 letters followed by 12 digits so wouldn't fit in the box. Or is it just the last 9 numbers that are needed in this case?

Ot have I misunderstood? as you would think it would just ask for TAX ID numbers instead of EORI code.
Thanks again

 

[Shipping Guru]

Hi Yes, the EORI would be GB then you VAT number and 000 on the end. its just the 9 digit VAT number that is needed.

I hope this helps

 

[Tomdelongste]

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately EORI didn't work but I have now figured out it is askig for a VAT numbers, of which I am not VAT registered so it seems incorrect, but I keep receiving the email saying action needed. Seems strange but unless I have misunderstood something, hopefully it means I shouldn't have even recieved the email / won't recieve the alibaba tax whilst not VAT registered.

 

[Shipping Guru]

the only thing I can think of is that if Alibaba have sent a small order on a low amount, it can go through without customs. However a large order could attract customs clearance and if that is the case, you cannot import without an EORI number.

The other thing is a potential glitch with the Alibaba website. I would suggest emailing them to get the answer but as mentioned, if its a large shipment with customs clearance involvement, you will need an EORI number.

many thanks

 

[Tomdelongste]

the only thing I can think of is that if Alibaba have sent a small order on a low amount, it can go through without customs. However a large order could attract customs clearance and if that is the case, you cannot import without an EORI number.

The other thing is a potential glitch with the Alibaba website. I would suggest emailing them to get the answer but as mentioned, if its a large shipment with customs clearance involvement, you will need an EORI number.

many thanks

Thank you!.
If it requires the eori number like you mentioned. is this something they will just ask me for in the UK once the parcel is here aka your parcel will be delivered once you provide us with your eori code click here to fill in etc..

Or do you expect this is something I should have filled in on alibaba? I ask as I don't want to miss any information but cannot find anywhere on their website to fill this in.

I am hoping it's the kind of thing customs / the relevant people would request it from me at the time if needed?
I may be worrying over nothing (wishful thinking perhaps)

 

[Shipping Guru]

The only reason Alibaba would want this is to add it to a commercial invoice. Saying that just your company name, address and contact details on an invoice would be enough. Having that information up front though does allow for a much faster clearance through customs without any need to contact you.

But yes, whoever does the shipping would contact you in the UK if there is something missing. At least thats how things work where I am

 

[Tomdelongste]

Thanks so much, I was freaking out so this has helped me a lot! I did try and input the code into alibaba, but unfortunately I can't find the relevant place, it all seems to say 'required for US' which is not relevant to me.
From what you have said it sounds like other than potential delays with the shipping it shouldn't matter as long as I have the code handy if needed.
Thanks again you helped a bunch!

 

[DoolallyTap]

Alibaba is asking for your VAT number. If you are not registered you will be charged VAT by Alibaba.

 

[DontAsk]

Alibaba is asking for your VAT number. If you are not registered you will be charged VAT by Alibaba.

Which is the correct outcome.

 

[DontAsk]

Good afternoon. To import anything into the UK you need to be EORI registered. Without this you are unable to import or export anything as a company.

Nonsense.

Define "import".

 

[DoolallyTap]

Which is the correct outcome.

what do you mean? if you have a VAT number you can supply it to Alibaba who say they will check and if acceptable not charge VAT. If you do not have a VAT number you will be charged VAT by Alibaba for orders over certain values. I have received over 80 orders from various suppliers and only been charged VAT on some.

 

[DontAsk]

what do you mean?

I don't know how to make it any simpler. Again...

If you do not have a VAT number you will be charged VAT by Alibaba

Which is the correct outcome. That's a statement, not a question.

 

[partyplanner]

you need to apply for an eori number, we received ours in like 1-2 weeks

 

[DoolallyTap]

You do not need an EORI number.
if you have a VAT number you can supply it to Alibaba who say they will check and if acceptable not charge VAT. If you do not have a VAT number you will be charged VAT by Alibaba for orders over certain values.

 

[DontAsk]

Good afternoon. To import anything into the UK you need to be EORI registered. Without this you are unable to import or export anything as a company.

Nonsense. I have imported no end of stuff without an EORI number. I do have one for those suppliers that request it.

 

[Customs Geek]

Nonsense. I have imported no end of stuff without an EORI number. I do have one for those suppliers that request it.

Although according to HMRC legally a business ( sole trader or company) needs an EORI number to import or export whereas a private individual does not.
A supplier doesn’t need to ask for it but they may choose to so they can provide it to the courier to use on the UK customs declaration .
If you aren’t VAT registered and use your own name there probably isn’t any reason why whoever clears the goods will know the difference so the goods will go through.
www.gov.uk/eori

If you are VAT registered then you really must use you EORI (linked to your VAT number) otherwise you won’t get the correct evidence ( C79 or PVA statement) for import VAT recovery. The couriers invoice isn’t accepted as valid proof.

Like all things there may be no consequences but if HMRC do come knocking you may get some unpleasant surprises.