ICS2 - EORI numbers

Hi all, I wonder could somebody help? My company regulary ships to EU coountries via courier (Fedex, DHL etc). They have advised due to the implementation of ICS2 we need to provide the recipients EORI number. I have a few questions I cant find an answer to: - Is this for the recipient or the importer? (The importer of record may not always be the ‘shipped to’ address). - It may not always be possible to obtain the receivers EORI number, can a VAT number be used instead? - What are the consequences of not having this information? Thank you for any help you can provide

Hi,
 

I would advise contacting the Customs and International trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 and check this guidance : Safety and security requirements on imports and exports   . Thank you.