The Federal Customs Department issues a central 7 digit customs number with the DE country code. This is used as an ID number and records the address data of the company, its approval status and the network connections while ensuring data protection. The customs number gives the customs authorities easier access to all the relevant information. The number is issued to companies which participate in the IT process or the approvals procedure of the federal customs authorities or submit regular customs declarations. The customs number is issued free of charge to companies which apply.