Author: Vilma

  • Black Friday IOSS 2026 – Sell more to EU customers this holiday

    Black Friday IOSS: Sell More to EU Customers | EAS
    VAT & IOSS

    Black Friday IOSS 2026 – Sell More to EU Customers

    Prepare your EU sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2026 with IOSS

    Black Friday can open your online store to a huge European customer base, but a successful EU sales campaign also needs the right VAT setup behind it. For non-EU ecommerce sellers, IOSS can simplify VAT collection on eligible low-value orders and create a smoother experience for customers buying across borders.

    With EAS, IOSS registration, store integration and VAT reporting can be managed through one compliance solution, helping you prepare your EU sales operation before the 2026 holiday peak begins.

    Why IOSS Matters for Black Friday 2026

    In 2026, Black Friday falls on 27 November, followed by Cyber Monday on 30 November. For ecommerce sellers, those dates lead directly into the Christmas shopping period, making late November and December one of the most important sales windows of the year.

    If you are shipping goods from outside the EU directly to EU consumers, getting your VAT and customs processes ready before the sales rush can make a significant difference to the customer experience.

    IOSS, or the Import One-Stop Shop, allows eligible distance sales of imported goods with an intrinsic value of up to €150 to have VAT collected at checkout and reported through a single EU IOSS registration.

    Instead of customers being unexpectedly asked to pay VAT when their parcel arrives, IOSS allows the VAT to be collected as part of the online purchase. For Black Friday shoppers expecting a simple checkout and delivery experience, that can be particularly important.

    EAS Makes IOSS Simpler for Sellers

    During Black Friday, your attention should be on products, campaigns, orders and customers — not manual VAT administration. EAS helps automate the compliance process around your EU sales.

    • IOSS registration — Get your own IOSS registration through EAS
    • VAT automation — Automate VAT calculation, transaction data and reporting workflows
    • Platform integration — Connect ecommerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce and Wix, or integrate through API
    • Compliance support — Manage IOSS reporting and ongoing EU VAT requirements with EAS
    • Clear pricing — Choose the EAS plan that fits your sales volume and compliance requirements

    EAS can help configure the solution for your store and make sure your IOSS workflow is ready before your Black Friday campaigns begin.

    Prepare Before the 2026 Holiday Peak

    The best time to prepare for Black Friday is before orders begin arriving. IOSS registration is only one part of the process. Your checkout, VAT calculation, order data and logistics setup should also work together correctly.

    Preparing early gives you time to complete registration, configure your store, test transactions and make sure the correct information reaches your logistics partners.

    That becomes especially important during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when higher order volumes leave less room for manual corrections or last-minute changes.

    The Advantage of Selling Into the EU With IOSS

    Using IOSS for eligible EU orders can help your ecommerce business:

    • Collect applicable EU VAT directly at checkout
    • Give customers clearer pricing before they place an order
    • Simplify VAT reporting for eligible imported orders
    • Reduce manual VAT administration during peak sales periods
    • Support a smoother customs and delivery process
    • Expand EU sales without building a separate VAT workflow for every destination

    Get Your Store Ready for Black Friday 2026

    Black Friday 2026 may still be ahead, but the busiest sellers will prepare their compliance, checkout and logistics setup well before November.

    If EU customers are part of your holiday growth strategy, getting IOSS in place early means you can spend the peak season focusing on sales rather than trying to solve VAT issues after orders have already started arriving.

    Register with EAS and prepare your IOSS setup for the 2026 Black Friday and holiday sales season.

    You might be interested in:

    Register with EAS, learn more about our solutions, or view pricing.

  • 5 data driven ways amazon sellers can scale in Europe

    Amazon Europe Growth: 5 Data-Driven Ways to Scale | EAS
    Platforms & Partners

    From Compliance to Growth: 5 Data-Driven Ways Amazon Sellers Can Scale in Europe

    Build on your European compliance foundation with smarter product research, localized keywords, competitor insights and marketplace data.

    Expanding into Europe is a major milestone for Amazon sellers. For many brands, the first stage of European expansion is focused on operations: VAT registration, compliance requirements, marketplace setup, logistics, and local account management. These steps are essential. Without a strong compliance foundation, sellers may struggle to enter or operate smoothly in European markets. But once the basics are in place, a new question becomes more important:

    How do you grow profitably across Amazon Europe?

    Compliance helps sellers access the market. Data helps them compete in it. To scale successfully, Amazon sellers need more than operational readiness. They need a clear understanding of demand, search behavior, competition, pricing, and market opportunity across different European marketplaces.

    Here are five practical, data-driven ways sellers can move from compliance to sustainable Amazon growth in Europe.

    1. Validate Demand Before Entering a New Marketplace

    Many sellers assume that a product performing well in one Amazon marketplace will perform equally well across Europe. In reality, European markets can behave very differently.

    Demand, pricing, competition, seasonality, and customer expectations often vary between marketplaces such as:

    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • the United Kingdom

    A product that gains strong traction in Germany may face weaker demand in Spain. A niche that looks profitable in the UK may already be highly competitive in France. Even within the same product category, search volume and buyer intent can differ significantly from country to country.

    Before expanding into a new marketplace, sellers should evaluate:

    • Search volume trends
    • Category demand
    • Competitive saturation
    • Average selling prices
    • Review thresholds
    • Seasonal demand patterns
    • Margin potential

    This is where ecommerce data becomes especially valuable. Instead of relying on assumptions, sellers can use marketplace intelligence to identify where demand is growing, where competition is manageable, and where the numbers support expansion.

    Tools such as SellerSprite can help sellers compare product opportunities, analyze market demand, and evaluate competition before committing inventory to a new Amazon Europe marketplace.

    The goal is not simply to expand faster. It is to expand with lower risk and better decision-making.

    2. Localize Your Keyword Strategy, Not Just Your Listings

    One of the most common mistakes Amazon sellers make in Europe is treating localization as direct translation. But keyword research does not work that way.

    A phrase that performs well in English may not match how shoppers search in German, French, Spanish, or Italian. Even when the translation is technically correct, it may not reflect local search behavior, preferred phrasing, or purchase intent.

    For example, an English keyword such as “lunch box” may translate into several possible terms in another language, but only some of them may align with how local Amazon shoppers actually search.

    Effective localization means understanding:

    • Native-language search habits
    • Regional product terminology
    • Keyword intent
    • Long-tail search opportunities
    • Marketplace-specific search volume
    • Local competitor keyword strategies

    This matters because keyword quality directly affects visibility. If a listing targets the wrong terms, it may fail to appear for relevant searches, even if the product itself is competitive.

    For Amazon sellers expanding across Europe, localized keyword research should happen before listing optimization, advertising campaigns, and product launches. Sellers should identify the keywords local customers actually use, then build titles, bullet points, backend search terms, and PPC campaigns around those insights.

    A data-driven keyword research tool can make this process more structured by helping sellers discover search volume, related keywords, keyword trends, and competitor ranking terms across different Amazon marketplaces.

    Better localization leads to stronger visibility, higher click-through rates, and more relevant traffic.

    3. Monitor Competitors Across Multiple Amazon Marketplaces

    Competition on Amazon moves quickly.

    A product that looks profitable today may become crowded within weeks. New sellers enter, prices shift, reviews increase, listings improve, and advertising activity changes. In Europe, this becomes even more complex because sellers may be competing across several marketplaces at once.

    That is why competitor analysis should not be a one-time task before launch. It should be an ongoing process.

    Amazon sellers should regularly monitor:

    • Competitor pricing
    • Review growth
    • New product listings
    • Best Seller Rank changes
    • Keyword ranking shifts
    • Listing content updates
    • Promotional activity
    • Product variations and bundles

    This information helps sellers understand not only who they are competing against, but also how the market is changing.

    For example, if several competitors are rapidly gaining reviews in a specific niche, that may signal rising demand — or increasing saturation. If prices are falling across a category, margin pressure may be increasing. If competitors begin ranking for new keywords, sellers may need to adjust their own keyword and advertising strategy.

    For sellers managing European expansion, competitor tracking can also reveal marketplace differences. A brand may face strong competition in Germany but find more room to grow in Italy or Spain. This type of insight allows sellers to prioritize resources more effectively.

    Instead of reacting after performance drops, sellers can use competitor data to make earlier, smarter decisions.

    4. Prioritize High-Margin Opportunities, Not Just Best Sellers

    Not every high-demand product is a good business opportunity.

    Many Amazon sellers are tempted to chase best sellers, trending products, or fast-growing categories. But these opportunities often come with intense competition, high advertising costs, lower margins, and a greater risk of price wars.

    The better opportunities are often found where demand, competition, and profitability are more balanced.

    Sellers should look for products and niches with:

    • Stable or growing demand
    • Moderate competition
    • Manageable review barriers
    • Healthy pricing potential
    • Clear differentiation opportunities
    • Strong margin after fees, VAT, logistics, and advertising costs

    This is especially important in Europe, where costs can vary by marketplace. VAT obligations, fulfillment expenses, cross-border logistics, and local pricing expectations can all affect profitability.

    A product may appear attractive based on revenue alone, but revenue does not equal profit. Sellers need to evaluate the full commercial picture before investing in inventory or expanding into a new marketplace.

    Using market intelligence can help sellers identify underserved niches, profitable long-tail products, and seasonal windows where demand is strong but competition is not yet overwhelming.

    Sustainable Amazon growth rarely comes from copying what everyone else is doing. It comes from finding opportunities where the data supports both demand and margin.

    5. Build a Repeatable Decision System for European Growth

    Successful Amazon businesses do not rely on intuition alone.

    As sellers expand across Europe, decisions become more complex. They may need to manage multiple marketplaces, languages, competitors, compliance requirements, advertising campaigns, and product pipelines at the same time.

    Without a clear system, growth can become reactive and inconsistent.

    A scalable decision system should include repeatable processes for:

    • Product research
    • Market validation
    • Keyword research
    • Competitor analysis
    • Listing optimization
    • Pricing review
    • Expansion prioritization
    • Performance monitoring

    This helps sellers make better decisions more consistently. It also reduces the risk of launching products based on incomplete information or entering marketplaces without enough demand validation.

    For example, before launching a product in a new European marketplace, a seller might use a simple framework:

    • Is there enough local search demand?
    • How competitive is the category?
    • What review count is needed to compete?
    • Are margins still attractive after local costs?
    • Which keywords should drive the listing and PPC strategy?
    • Which competitors are growing fastest?
    • Is this marketplace a priority now, or should another market come first?

    This type of system turns expansion from guesswork into a more structured growth process.

    For Amazon sellers, the advantage of using a platform like SellerSprite is that product research, keyword research, competitor analysis, and market intelligence can be brought into one workflow. That makes it easier to evaluate opportunities, compare markets, and make decisions based on data rather than assumptions.

    Final Thoughts: Compliance Opens the Door, Data Drives Growth

    For Amazon sellers planning their next stage of growth in Europe, the right data can make expansion clearer, faster, and more profitable.

    EAS Project helps sellers build the compliance foundation needed to operate confidently in Europe. SellerSprite supports the next step: using product research, keyword intelligence, competitor analysis, and market insights to make better growth decisions across Amazon Europe.

    To support your next stage of expansion, SellerSprite is offering EAS Project readers an exclusive discount. Use code EAS35 to get 35% off your subscription.

    Explore SellerSprite and use EAS35 to uncover new growth opportunities across Amazon Europe.

    Turn European Compliance into Growth with EAS

    EAS helps ecommerce merchants handle EU and UK VAT, IOSS and cross-border compliance so they can focus on expanding into new markets, channels and customer segments.

  • Tax compliance for selling into the EU – strategies & tips

    EU Tax Compliance for Digital Sales | EAS
    VAT & IOSS

    Tax Compliance for Selling Into the EU – Strategies & Tips

    Why EAS is Your Ally in the Digital Marketplace

    The European e-Commerce market presents a significant opportunity for businesses to expand their sales of digital goods or services — but to confidently enter this market, understanding tax compliance for selling into the EU is essential. With the recent measures introduced by the European Commission to combat VAT fraud, it is essential for businesses to navigate this market effectively. How can businesses master sale of digital goods in EU markets?

    In order to succeed in EU markets, businesses must understand the VAT compliance requirements and broader EU tax compliance obligations. This includes registering for VAT in the relevant countries and ensuring accurate reporting and collection of VAT. How can businesses streamline their VAT compliance processes while staying on top of changing regulations?

    To effectively target EU markets, businesses need to consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and language variations. How can businesses tailor their marketing and communication strategies to resonate with their EU customers and build brand affinity?

    Mastering the sale of digital goods in EU markets requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses tax compliance, localisation strategies, and a deep understanding of the target audience. How can businesses leverage technology and automation solutions to streamline operations and ensure a seamless customer experience across different EU countries?

    By implementing these key strategies and tips, businesses can position themselves for success in the dynamic and evolving EU digital marketplace. How can businesses stay informed of the latest market trends and developments to stay ahead of the competition and capitalise on new opportunities in EU markets

    Mastering Digital Sales to EU Markets: Essential Strategies & Tips

    The European eCommerce market presents a significant opportunity for businesses to expand their sales of digital goods. With the recent measures introduced by the European Commission to combat VAT fraud, it is essential for businesses to navigate this market effectively. In order to succeed in EU markets, businesses must understand the tax compliance requirements, especially since for distance sales of digital products, sales or value thresholds do not exist. Compliance includes registering for relevant VAT schemes and ensuring accurate reporting and collection of VAT.

    To streamline their VAT compliance processes while staying on top of changing regulations, businesses can consider the following strategies:

    • Utilise automation and technology solutions to simplify VAT reporting and collection processes.
    • Stay updated with the latest regulatory changes and seek guidance from tax experts or consultants.
    • VAT is collected according to assumed country of consumption VAT rate, seller must ensure correct VAT rates are used.
    • Maintain detailed records of sales and transactions to ensure accurate reporting.

    Additionally, to effectively target EU markets, businesses need to consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and language variations. By tailoring their marketing and communication strategies to resonate with EU customers, businesses can build brand affinity and gain a competitive edge.

    To achieve this, businesses can implement the following tactics:

    • Conduct market research to understand the specific needs and preferences of EU customers.
    • Localise their website, product descriptions, and marketing materials to suit each target country.
    • Use language variations and translations to cater to different language-speaking audiences.

    Mastering the sale of digital goods in EU markets requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses VAT compliance, localisation strategies, and a deep understanding of the target audience. By leveraging technology and automation solutions to streamline operations, businesses can ensure a seamless customer experience across different EU countries.

    To stay informed of the latest market trends and developments, businesses should:

    • Regularly monitor EU eCommerce news and industry publications.
    • Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or workshops to gain insights from industry professionals.
    • Network with other businesses in the same industry to share experiences and best practices.

    By implementing these key strategies and tips, businesses can position themselves for success in the dynamic and evolving EU digital marketplace. They can stay ahead of the competition and capitalise on new opportunities in EU markets

    How EAS simplifies tax compliance for sellers into the EU?

    At EAS, we understand that navigating the complexities of VAT compliance is daunting, especially with the introduction of new regulations. However, our fully automated platform takes the burden off your shoulders, ensuring you operate within the legal framework and avoid potential penalties. Here’s how:

    • Real-time VAT calculation: Our system automatically calculates the correct VAT rate based on the buyer’s location and the product or service being purchased. This eliminates the risk of human error and ensures accurate VAT reporting.
    • Automatic filing of VAT returns: We file with national tax authorities, making submitting VAT returns timely and accurate, every time. This saves you valuable time and resources.
    • Global compliance support: Our team of experts stays up-to-date on the latest VAT regulations across Europe and beyond. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your business remains compliant, regardless of where you operate.

    Mastering digital sales in EU markets requires businesses to have a strong understanding of tax compliance requirements, including the concept of place of supply. This involves registering for VAT in relevant countries, accurately reporting and collecting taxes based on the place of supply, and staying updated with regulatory changes. Streamlining VAT compliance processes can be achieved through automation and technology solutions, as well as maintaining detailed records to ensure accurate reporting and collection of taxes.

    Leveraging technology and automation solutions is essential for ensuring a seamless customer experience across different EU countries. By staying informed of the latest market trends and developments through monitoring news and industry publications, attending conferences or workshops, and networking with industry professionals, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on new opportunities.

    EAS offers a comprehensive solution to help businesses comply with the new VAT regulations. Their automated platform ensures accurate VAT calculations, automatic filing of VAT returns, and global compliance support. With EAS, businesses can navigate the complexities of VAT compliance and avoid potential penalties.

    Embrace the future of tax compliance with EAS

    The new EU measures to combat VAT fraud represent a positive step towards a more sustainable and equitable digital marketplace. By partnering with EAS, you can ensure your business remains compliant with the latest regulations, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your online sales and reaching new customers across Europe.

    Contact us today and discover how EAS can simplify tax compliance for your online business. Together, we can build a fairer and more prosperous digital future for all.

    How EAS works?

    EAS is your one-stop solution for EU VAT compliance. We handle everything from VAT registration and store configuration to automated data collection and tax filings. Focus on growing your business while EAS ensures you meet all your EU tax obligations. Start your journey to streamlined tax compliance in just days – start at https://easproject.com/reg.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This FAQ provides answers to commonly asked questions about mastering digital sales to EU markets and VAT compliance with EAS.

    1. What are the key considerations for businesses selling digital goods in EU markets?

    Businesses selling digital goods in EU markets must understand VAT compliance requirements and consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and language variations to effectively target their audience. They should also leverage technology and automation solutions to streamline operations and ensure a seamless customer experience.

    2. How can businesses streamline their tax compliance processes?

    To streamline VAT compliance processes, businesses can utilize automation and technology solutions, stay updated with regulatory changes, ensure correct VAT rates are used, and maintain detailed sales records for accurate reporting.

    3. How can businesses tailor their marketing and communication strategies to resonate with EU customers?

    Businesses can tailor their marketing and communication strategies by conducting market research, localizing their website and marketing materials, and using language variations and translations to cater to different language-speaking audiences in the EU.

    4. How can businesses leverage technology and automation solutions to ensure a seamless customer experience across EU countries?

    Businesses can leverage technology and automation solutions to streamline operations, automate VAT calculations and returns, and ensure accurate reporting and timely submission. This helps to provide a consistent and seamless customer experience across different EU countries.

    5. How can businesses stay informed of the latest market trends and developments in EU markets?

    To stay informed, businesses can regularly monitor EU eCommerce news and industry publications, attend relevant conferences, webinars, or workshops, and network with other businesses in the industry to share experiences and best practices.

    6. How can EAS help businesses comply with the new regulations?

    EAS offers a fully automated platform that simplifies VAT compliance for online businesses. It provides real-time VAT calculation, automatic filing of VAT returns, and global compliance support, ensuring businesses operate within the legal framework and avoid penalties.

    7. How does EAS work?

    EAS is a one-stop solution for EU VAT compliance. It handles VAT registration, store configuration, automated data collection, and tax filings. Businesses can focus on growing their sales while EAS takes care of meeting EU tax obligations.

    8. How has Brexit impacted UK companies selling digital goods and services in EU markets?

    As being outside of EU, all UK companies selling digital services and goods to EU require a registration to non-Union OSS scheme for collection, reporting and payment of VATs.

    9. Are there any changes in VAT compliance requirements for UK businesses selling digital products or services in EU markets post-Brexit?

    UK businesses require additional registrations for selling of digital services and goods to EU, currently the non-Union scheme. Before Brexit, UK companies could take advantage of the high VAT registration threshold in UK and the intra-EU cross-border threshold. Now all sales of digital services and goods by UK companies must be levied with VAT.

    10. What steps should UK businesses take to ensure seamless operations and compliance with EU regulations in the post-Brexit landscape when selling digital goods and service

    UK businesses selling digital services and digital products in EU markets post-Brexit should take the following steps to ensure seamless operations and compliance with EU regulations:

    1. Register for the non-Union OSS scheme for VAT collection, reporting, and payment.
    2. Ensure all sales of digital goods and services are levied with correct, destination country VAT.
    3. Stay updated with the latest VAT compliance, rules, requirements and regulatory changes.
    4. Utilise automation and technology solutions to streamline VAT compliance processes.
    5. Maintain detailed records of sales and transactions for accurate reporting.
    6. Consider local preferences, cultural nuances, and language variations to tailor marketing strategies.
    7. Stay informed about market trends and developments through industry publications, conferences, and networking
    11. Do you charge VAT on digital services to EU?

    Yes, just as with physical goods, taxes have to be paid when selling to European Union Consumers

    12. How can businesses get started with EAS?

    Businesses can start their journey to streamlined VAT compliance with EAS in just days by visiting https://easproject.com/reg and accessing the comprehensive solution provided by EA

    Start your EU tax compliance setup with EAS

    EAS helps businesses handle EU VAT registration, store configuration, automated data collection, and tax filings so you can focus on sales.

  • Hidden Excise Taxes on Everyday Products

    Hidden Excise Taxes on Everyday Products in EU Ecommerce | EAS
    Selling in Europe

    Hidden Excise Taxes on Everyday Products: What E-Commerce Merchants Need to Know

    Why products like coffee, chocolate, tea, and soft drinks can create unexpected customs and delivery problems in EU e-commerce.

    EAS Compliance | May 2026

    IOSS has made cross-border e-commerce into the EU significantly simpler. VAT is collected at the point of sale, parcels clear customs without delays, and consumers receive their orders without unexpected charges at the door. For most products, it works exactly as intended.

    But there is a category of goods where IOSS runs into a significant obstacle — and merchants selling everyday products like coffee, chocolate, and tea are often caught completely off guard.

    Product types Coffee, tea, chocolate
    Main issue National excise taxes
    IOSS impact Not covered by IOSS

    The part of the EU tax map most merchants have never seen

    When people talk about excise tax in the EU, the conversation usually involves alcohol, tobacco, or fuel. These are harmonised across all 27 member states under EU-wide directives, and they are well-known exclusions from the IOSS scheme.

    What is far less well known is that EU member states levy their own national, non-harmonised excise taxes on goods that are entirely normal in e-commerce: roasted coffee, instant coffee, chocolate bars, cocoa products, confectionery, and in some countries tea. These are not EU-wide rules. They are country-specific national taxes that apply independently, and they apply to imports, including those arriving via international e-commerce.

    Which goods are taxed, and where

    Coffee

    Coffee is subject to a national excise duty in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, Greece, and Latvia.

    Germany has one of the most clearly structured coffee taxes in Europe. The Kaffeesteuergesetz (Coffee Tax Act) applies to all coffee and goods containing coffee, from the first kilogram, with no threshold. Roasted coffee is taxed at €2.19 per kilogram and instant coffee at €4.78 per kilogram. Distance sellers from other EU member states shipping coffee to German consumers are legally required to appoint a fiscal representative in Germany, register with German customs, and file monthly declarations.

    Denmark taxes raw coffee at DKK 6.39 per kilogram under Law LBK no. 1445 of 21 June 2021. Greece maintains a national excise on coffee under Article 53A of Law 2960/2001. Belgium and the other named member states all apply their own domestic rates.

    Chocolate and confectionery

    Denmark is the most significant market here. The Danish Chocolate Tax Act (Chokoladeafgiftsloven) imposes a duty of DKK 25.97 per kilogram on a broad range of goods: chocolate and chocolate products, cocoa mass, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and cocoa-based preparations, liquorice products, marzipan, nougat, confectionery, boiled sweets, marshmallow products, chewing gum, and candied fruit and peel. This tax applies to e-commerce imports and is assessed when the goods are received from abroad.

    Note on Denmark’s proposed abolition: In late 2025, the Danish government announced plans to abolish both the coffee tax and the chocolate and confectionery tax from 1 July 2026 (parliamentary Bill L 125). The Danish parliament was dissolved in March 2026 ahead of a general election, and the bill was among 49 pieces of legislation wiped from the parliamentary agenda as a result. As of May 2026, Denmark’s coffee and chocolate taxes remain in force. Whether a new parliament will reintroduce the abolition proposal is uncertain — merchants should not plan their logistics on this assumption until formal enactment is confirmed.

    Tea

    Belgium and Denmark both apply excise taxes to tea products. In Belgium, the obligation is established under the Ministerial Decree of 19 April 2010, which governs the excise regime for non-alcoholic drinks and coffee. The decree covers tea in all consumer forms, teabags, loose-leaf tea, and syrups used for tea preparation, and applies to producers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers alike.

    Denmark taxes tea under LBK no. 1445 of 21 June 2021, the same consumption tax law that covers coffee and chocolate. As with coffee and chocolate, distance sellers shipping tea to Danish consumers are subject to the same registration and declaration obligations as domestic producers.

    A common question in this category is whether teabags manufactured through industrial or mechanised processes are exempt from excise on the basis that they are an “industrial” rather than a consumer product. They are not. The industrial use exemption that exists in Danish law applies only to goods used as inputs in industrial or technical processes to manufacture other goods that are not themselves taxable. A teabag sold to a consumer is the finished product — it is not an intermediate material used to manufacture something else. The exemption does not apply. No equivalent exemption exists in Belgian law for tea.

    Soft drinks and beverages

    Finland applies a national excise duty on soft drinks, juices, concentrates, energy gels, sports drinks, and soy and oat beverages. The Netherlands applies a consumption tax on non-alcoholic beverages (€26.13 per hl as of January 2024), with mineral water excluded. Belgium applies a rate of €6.81 per hl on waters with added sugar.

    Does processing or raw material status make a difference?

    This is a common and understandable question. The answer is: it depends on the country, and in most cases processing does not help.

    In Germany, the coffee tax distinguishes between roasted coffee and instant coffee — but both are taxed. The distinction creates a higher rate for more processed products: instant coffee at €4.78/kg versus roasted at €2.19/kg. Green (unroasted) coffee beans may fall outside the scope of the tax, but this is of limited relevance to most e-commerce merchants since virtually no consumer goods use unroasted beans.

    In Denmark, the chocolate tax covers not just finished chocolate bars but also the raw intermediary materials: cocoa mass, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter. Processing a cocoa product into a food item does not remove it from the tax scope. It is taxed throughout the value chain. A financial levy also applies when goods contain chocolate or cocoa-derived ingredients subject to the excise — meaning that a product only partially made from chocolate is not automatically excluded.

    The same logic applies to tea. The suggestion that teabags are exempt because they are “industrially produced” has no basis in the law of any EU member state that levies a tea excise. The industrial or technical use exemption in Denmark is for goods used as manufacturing inputs to produce non-taxable goods — a teabag sold to a consumer is none of these things. In Belgium, no such exemption category exists for tea at all.

    The general principle is this: processing into a consumer product does not exempt a good from national excise duty. If anything, the more processed the form, the higher the rate is likely to be.

    The United Kingdom: a notable exception

    It is worth noting that the United Kingdom does not levy a national excise duty on coffee, chocolate, or tea. Since Brexit, UK excise taxes remain focused on alcohol, tobacco, and fuel/energy products. Merchants selling these goods to UK consumers face standard import VAT and any applicable customs duties, but not a separate product-specific excise. This makes the UK a simpler destination for these product categories compared to markets such as Germany or Denmark.

    The IOSS complication: why these shipments are problematic

    IOSS is designed for low-value consignments (up to €150) imported from outside the EU. Under IOSS, the merchant collects VAT at the point of sale, and the parcel clears customs without further VAT collection, giving the consumer a clean delivery experience.

    The complication with goods subject to national excise taxes is this: the national excise is not covered by IOSS. It is a separate obligation, collected separately at customs. When a parcel containing German-taxable coffee arrives at German customs, the customs authority will collect the Kaffeesteuer independently of any IOSS arrangement for VAT. The parcel does not flow through cleanly. The consumer is charged for customs processing fee, excise tax and VAT – for the second time – at the door, an experience that undermines the promise made at checkout.

    This double VAT scenario generates disputes, chargebacks, and lasting damage to customer trust.

    The consequences for merchants include:

    • Delivery failures and parcel returns
    • Unexpected charges that consumers refuse to pay
    • Double VAT collection in some carrier scenarios
    • Customs holds that delay delivery and increase costs
    • Reputational damage in affected markets

    The solution: centralised clearance outside the excise country

    The practical answer to this problem is to ensure that the goods are imported into the EU through a country that does not apply a national excise duty on the product in question, rather than having them clear customs directly in the destination country.

    This is what is known as centralised clearance. A courier or logistics partner with customs operations in a strategically chosen EU member state clears the shipment there, not in country levying excise tax, but in a country where the coffee or chocolate excise does not apply. The goods enter the EU in that country, VAT is accounted for under IOSS at that point of import, and the parcel then travels onward within the EU as an intra-Community movement, arriving at the consumer without any excise-related customs event.

    The practical effect is that:

    • The parcel is not held at customs for excise collection
    • The consumer receives their order with no unexpected charges
    • IOSS functions as intended for the VAT element
    • The delivery experience matches what the consumer paid for at checkout

    For merchants selling coffee, chocolate, tea, or any other good that attracts a national excise duty in the destination country, selecting a courier with centralised clearance capability is the single most effective operational decision they can make.

    EAS works with logistics partners who offer exactly this. If you sell any of the product categories covered in this article and ship to EU markets, contact us to understand whether your current logistics setup is exposing your customers, and your business, to excise-related delivery failures.

    Summary: which markets to watch

    Product Risk markets
    Coffee Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, Greece, Latvia
    Instant coffee Germany (highest rate), Belgium, Denmark
    Chocolate and cocoa Denmark
    Tea and tea preparations Belgium, Denmark
    Soft drinks and juices Finland, Netherlands, Belgium
    Confectionery and sweets Denmark

    The practical takeaway

    If you sell coffee, chocolate, tea, soft drinks, confectionery, or similar products into EU markets, your logistics setup matters. The right customs clearance model can help avoid excise-related delivery failures and protect the customer experience.

    Need help reviewing your EU setup?

    Book a meeting with EAS

    Simplify EU VAT & Customs Compliance with EAS

    EAS helps ecommerce merchants manage VAT, IOSS and cross-border compliance while navigating the country-specific tax and customs rules that can affect EU deliveries.

  • IOSS FAQ

    IOSS Registration & Intermediary FAQ | EAS
    VAT & IOSS

    IOSS Registration & Intermediary | Q&A

    IOSS is a simplified VAT scheme for cross-border sales. IOSS registration & intermediary services simplify VAT compliance and reduce costs for sellers, especially those outside the EU.

    If you have any questions about IOSS registration & intermediary services, reporting, filing, or cross-border sales, we are here to help.

    EAS is a fully automated compliance solution, no-code, for IOSS, OSS, Non-Union OSS, and UK VAT. With EAS, you can expand to new markets with ease.

    All information about Import One-stop shop (IOSS), EU VAT and IOSS registration

    1. Does EAS register companies for IOSS?

    Yes, EAS registers companies for IOSS. All EAS customers have their own unique IOSS number. EAS acts as an IOSS intermediary

    EAS registers companies for IOSS without any registration fees, monthly fees or minimum volumes.

    2. What is EAS IOSS service?

    EAS IOSS service in an all-inclusive IOSS service covering IOSS registration & intermediary services and more.

    EAS registers sellers for IOSS and acts as an IOSS intermediary. EAS collects automatically all EU sales data from eCommerce platforms and creates and files IOSS reports.

    With EAS Shopify, Woocommerce and other platform apps, EAS makes sure sellers are collecting the right amount of taxes from their EU customers.

    EAS offers free-of-charge installation and configuration service.

    3. How to start with EAS?

    You can start the process by registering at easproject.com/reg

    Make sure you have at hand:

    • A copy of a Company / sole trader registration document
    • A copy of an official ID
    • Copy of VAT registration (only if you have a VAT registration)

    Once we have your registration, we can start the IOSS registration process and installation / configuration. We can make you IOSS registered within one hour.

    We highly recommend our free installation and configuration service. The installation and configuration are done within 24 hours. You can choose the free installation in the registration form.

    4. Which eCommerce platforms are supported by EAS?

    EAS supports most of the popular eCommerce platforms. Currently you can use EAS with:

    • Shopify
    • Woocommerce
    • Shoplazza
    • Kickstarter
    • Prestashop
    • Wix
    • SquareSpace
    • Shopware
    • Plentymarkets

    Other platforms are supported too, if your eCommerce platform is not in the list above, please contact [email protected]

    5. Do I get unique IOSS number with EAS?

    Yes, EAS registers companies for unique IOSS numbers. We are a compliance solution provider we make sure you are 100% compliant.

    6. How do I register for IOSS?

    The easiest way to start is to register through EAS. We handle the full IOSS registration & intermediary process so that you can begin selling to EU customers without delays. If you already have an IOSS number our solution is still usable for full automations.

    If you want EAS to register you for IOSS, start by registering with us at easproject.com/reg

    Any registered business can register for the IOSS through an EU-based IOSS intermediary. Businesses in the EU can register for the IOSS directly, or through an IOSS intermediary.

    The most talked about EU VAT scheme is by far the IOSS. The IOSS allows for a simplified customs process and collection of VAT at the time of sale for goods delivered from outside of the EU.

    The IOSS registration process depends on whether your company is registered in the EU or not. For an EU company it is a very straightforward process: go to your national tax administration online portal (yes, they all have it), login in, and find the place to register for the IOSS. Should take less than 10 minutes. In digitally advanced countries you will receive the IOSS number immediately, in some by mail.

    For a non-EU company, the process looks very different. They will need an Intermediary to handle the IOSS registration. The IOSS number is as much the Intermediary’s as it is the online merchant’s as they are also responsible for the reporting and payment of VAT. This is also why most charge a hefty starting fee for the service. For non-EU companies, the registration country can be chosen by the Intermediary.

    Mind you, you have to really be mindful about who and where you disclose the IOSS number: misuse is rampant and can result in you being responsible for someone else’s VAT. And once you register for the IOSS, also zero reports have to be filed.

    Because we at EAS believe in automating the difficult, we don’t have to charge you for the IOSS registration or monthly filing. The shipments have to all go through our SaaS for full, credible compliance. Shipments can also be manually entered into the SaaS if they are placed by phone or email. This results in a stress-free, cost-efficient way to handle the scary international compliance.

    7. What does IOSS registered mean?

    Being IOSS registered means the company can utilise the lighter customs process in EU customs and collect VAT at checkout. It also means a liability to report and pay VAT monthly to the country of registration.

    IOSS number tells the customs that there is a VAT liable company somewhere and that they don’t have to collect VAT on the shipment as it will be reported and paid.

    It is basically a facilitator for a faster, more cost-efficient delivery and better customer service via single action purchase.

    8. How much does IOSS registration cost?

    All-inclusive IOSS plans for EU sales without any manual work

    Provide the ultimate customer experience for your EU customers – everything is paid at the checkout, with no customs handling or other fees upon arrival. With us you you don’t have to wait to become compliant!

    View EAS pricing plans

    9. Is IOSS number the same as VAT number?

    No, the IOSS number is not the same as VAT number. The IOSS allows suppliers selling imported goods to buyers in the EU to collect, declare and pay the VAT to the tax authorities, instead of making the buyer pay the VAT at the moment the goods are imported into the EU

    IOSS is a unique number impossible to deduct from any other identifier due to its exposure to risks.

    10. Is IOSS compulsory?

    No, IOSS is not obligatory.

    We do recommend it, however, if your goods fall under the 150€ threshold. Nothing wrong with faster and cheaper delivery and an easier shopping experience for customers.

    11. What happens if I don’t register for IOSS?

    If you don’t register for IOSS, your customers pay the VAT at the moment the goods are imported into the EU. It causes delays at customs, unexpected handling fees and an unpleasant customer experience. If you are not registered for IOSS, you cannot take advantage of the simplified IOSS scheme.

    Your deliveries cost more, take longer time and can require post-purchase actions from your customers.

    12. What are the benefits of IOSS?
    • Better customer experience
    • VAT can be charged at checkout, not at arrival
    • Lower delivery fees
    • Faster deliveries
    • Postal delivery possible
    • No post-purchase actions are required from your customers
    13. Does IOSS include shipping costs?

    IOSS does not include shipping costs.

    IOSS 150€ threshold is calculated from the zero VAT without shipping or other fees.

    14. Do I need to be VAT registered to sell in EU?

    No, you don’t need VAT registration to sell to the EU.

    If you are located outside of the EU, IOSS registration is highly recommended. VAT registration is not required for IOSS registration.

    You have to have a company registered in your country, also a sole entrepreneur or similar is sufficient.

    As a non-EU company you can, have a VAT registration in the EU, but before you begin stocking goods in the EU you are not obligated to do so.

    15. Can I have IOSS registration in UK?

    After Brexit, no you can’t.

    16. How do I register for IOSS in UK?

    You cannot register for IOSS in the UK, you register for IOSS in an EU country Remember Brexit?

    Talk to EAS. We have hundreds of companies from the UK registered for IOSS.

    17. What is an IOSS intermediary?

    IOSS intermediary acts on behalf of its clients in order to perform all reports and VAT payments to the EU tax authorities. If businesses are not based in the EU, they need to appoint an EU-established intermediary to fulfil their VAT obligations under IOSS.

    18. What to concern about IOSS number?

    If you get a random IOSS number from the internet, you will be able to get the goods through the customs and someone else VAT liable – until your tax fraud will be caught and you will be banned from selling to EU. The EU customs collect data on IOSS numbers and tax administrations and then compare the IOSS reporting data.

    “Borrowing” IOSS number is also common while being specifically forbidden. The process goes as follows: A party along the delivery chain has registered themselves for IOSS. They insert the IOSS number into the shipping data and collect VAT due from the merchant. The reason why this is specifically forbidden is that the value data is falsified more often than not. In addition, seller data is wrong and does not serve the purpose. A very temporary solution and more expensive than actually being compliant with EAS.

    Simplify EU VAT with Expert IOSS Registration & Intermediary Services

    Ready to expand into the EU? EAS offers complete IOSS registration & intermediary services, covering reporting, filing, and compliance. Register today.

  • IOSS validation issues at EU customs

    IOSS Validation Issues at EU Customs | EAS
    VAT & IOSS

    IOSS Validation Issues at EU Customs – How EAS Ensures Smooth Compliance

    At EAS, we understand the importance of seamless IOSS compliance for your e-commerce business.

    At EAS, we understand the importance of seamless IOSS compliance for your e-commerce business. Recent temporary IOSS validation issues at EU customs might cause some disruptions, but rest assured, our team is here to navigate you through this hurdle and ensure a smooth and compliant transition for your business.

    The Challenge: Temporary IOSS Validation Issues for Online Sellers

    EU customs are experiencing occasional hiccups due to IOSS validation issues when verifying numbers. This can lead to delays and customers being asked to pay VAT upon delivery, even if the IOSS number is valid. These temporary disruptions in the smooth flow of goods could potentially cause inconvenience, but we are here to support you every step of the way.

    The EAS Advantage: Your Trusted IOSS Partner

    • Guaranteed IOSS Validity: As an EAS customer, you can rest assured that your IOSS number is 100% valid. We ensure it is correctly registered and, should any changes occur, we will notify you immediately.
    • Fast and Easy Support: We do not rely solely on slow official channels. Our team can quickly provide a screenshot of your IOSS status to ease your mind, ensuring you have the necessary documentation without delays.
    • Clear Customer Communication: We empower you with the information needed to advise your customers about the temporary glitch, guiding them to avoid unnecessary VAT payments and complications in customs clearance.

    What We’re Doing to Help

    • Constant Monitoring: Our team closely monitors the situation and provides regular updates through our blog and newsletters to keep you informed of any developments.
    • Active Participation: We are actively participating in discussions with all relevant parties to address and resolve the IOSS validation issues swiftly.
    • Guidance and Best Practices: We offer clear instructions on how to minimize the impact on your customers, including detailed steps on what to do if they encounter VAT payment requests.
    • Streamlined Reimbursement Process: In case a customer pays VAT due to the glitch, we have a simple manual correction process within the EAS Dashboard. This allows you to reimburse them quickly and efficiently.

    What You Can Do

    • Stay Informed: Follow our blog and newsletters for the latest updates and guidance. Staying informed will help you navigate these temporary challenges more effectively.
    • Reassure Your Customers: Communicate with your customers, letting them know about the temporary IOSS validation issue and that you are working with EAS to resolve it. Advise them not to pay any VAT or customs fees at delivery and instruct them to ask the carrier to retry the IOSS number.
    • Utilize EAS Resources: Refer to our comprehensive FAQ section and contact our support team if you have any questions. Our team is here to help you with any concerns or issues that may arise.

    FAQ: Temporary IOSS Validation Issues

    1. What are the current IOSS validation issues at EU customs?

    EU customs are experiencing difficulties verifying IOSS numbers, which may result in customers being asked to pay VAT upon delivery, even if the IOSS number is valid.

    2. Why are customers receiving notification about IOSS validation issues or that their IOSS number is not valid?

    Customers may receive this notification due to temporary access problems to the central database at EU customs. However, as an EAS customer, your IOSS number is valid.

    3. Will customers face double taxation because of this issue?

    Yes, due to the IOSS validation issues, EU consumers may face double taxation. They might be asked to pay VAT for the second time, in addition to full customs fees.

    4. How can businesses correct reports in case of double taxation?

    Follow the instructions provided here to learn how to correct your reports manually in the EAS Dashboard.

    5. What should businesses do to minimize the impact on their customers?

    Hold off on sharing the IOSS number with customers, as disclosing it does not solve the validation issue and exposes businesses to misuse risks. Advise customers about the temporary glitch and instruct them not to pay any VAT or customs fees at delivery. Inform customers to politely ask the carrier to retry the IOSS number.

    6. Is the IOSS number still valid for EAS customers?

    Yes, as an EAS customer, your IOSS number is 100% valid. If any changes occur to your IOSS status, we, as your IOSS intermediary, will have knowledge of it.

    7. Will a certificate of validity from the Estonian tax administration help?

    No, unfortunately, a certificate of validity from the Estonian tax administration will not have any effect on how customs treat the shipment. Official requests can take up to 3 weeks. We can provide a screen capture of the IOSS status much faster to ease your mind.

    8. How can businesses reimburse customers if they end up paying VAT and customs fees?

    If customers have paid VATs and customs fees, businesses should reimburse them at least for the VATs. Manual corrections can be made via the EAS Dashboard. Invoices from customers will be required for the reimbursement.

    9. Is it possible to retrieve the customs fee from the carrier partner?

    It is unlikely that businesses will be able to retrieve the customs fee from the carrier partner, as they acted on orders from customs.

    10. What should businesses do if a customer contacts them about this issue?

    Acknowledge the problem and assure customers that you are aware of the temporary IOSS validation issue and are working towards a solution. Reassure customers that they should not be responsible for VAT charges and that the carrier should retry the IOSS number until it is successfully validated.

    Conclusion

    At EAS, we are committed to helping you navigate this temporary hurdle with IOSS validation issues. By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure a smooth IOSS experience for your business. Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue to provide seamless and efficient service to your customers.

    For more information

    Explore EAS pricing, learn more about our solutions, register with EAS, or subscribe to EAS Newsletter.

  • EU tariffs US industrial goods

    EU Removes Tariffs on US Industrial Goods | EAS
    Shipping & Customs

    EU Eliminates Tariffs on US Industrial Goods in Landmark Transatlantic Trade Deal

    New EU legislation removes customs duties on virtually all US-origin industrial goods, with important practical implications for ecommerce and cross-border deliveries.

    The European Union has formally locked in zero customs duties on virtually all industrial goods originating in the United States, following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2026 on the adjustment of customs duties on imports of certain goods originating in the United States of America.

    The move marks the legislative endpoint of a year-long political process that began when Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump struck a tariff deal in Turnberry, Scotland on 27 July 2025, formalised on 21 August 2025 in the EU–US Joint Statement on a Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade.

    Under that framework, the US agreed to cap tariffs on EU goods at an all-inclusive 15% ceiling, while the EU committed to eliminating duties on US industrial goods in return.

    What changes at the border

    Under Article 1 of the regulation, US-origin goods listed in Annex I enter the EU at 0% customs duty.

    The zero rate sweeps broadly across industrial categories — chemicals (CN Chapters 28–40), plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals and mineral fuels — with narrow carve-outs for mannitol, sorbitol and certain textile-finishing agents.

    For some agricultural products, the regulation opens tariff rate quotas granting duty-free access limited volumes of agricultural products.

    Impact to the online trade

    According to the new legislation most of the goods traded via online shops which originate in the USA will not be subject to standard duties, which sounds as a good news.

    Unfortunately practical application will be very much different:

    • The new rules do not apply to goods delivered in shipments of intrinsic value below 150 EUR – these shipments are subject to the special 3 EUR duty;
    • For parcels worth over 150 EUR the new rules are technically applicable, but most of the couriers do not support and will not intend to support preferential treatment of US goods, meaning that they will disregard the new rules and still apply standard tariffs.

    For ecommerce sellers, the practical benefit of the new tariff rules will therefore depend heavily on whether their logistics and customs solution is able to correctly recognise and apply the preferential country-of-origin treatment.

    EAS EU DDP solution will honor the preferential treatment of US goods

    EAS released a new solution for postal deliveries of parcels over 150 EUR.

    The new EAS solution is released for UK sellers but soon will be available to Australian and US merchants.

    Goods sent via the solution will be handled in accordance with reference to their country of origin, thus making US, UK, Swiss and Australian goods duty free for EU customers.

    Check your potential savings

    You can check EAS savings calculator to assess possible savings available to your customers due to effective use of the free trade agreements signed between EU and other countries.

    Open the EAS Savings Calculator
  • Australia post EU shipping IOSS and €3 duty

    Australia Post EU Shipping: IOSS & €3 Duty Guide | EAS Australia Post EU Shipping: IOSS & €3 Duty Guide | EAS
    Platforms & Partners

    Australia Post EU shipping after 1 July 2026: IOSS, the €3 duty and what sellers need to know

    Important information for Australian ecommerce sellers about Australia Post, IOSS, the new EU customs duty and the EAS EU Postal DDP solution coming to Australia.

    The key answer: IOSS remains the most streamlined, cost-efficient way to handle EU import VAT and provide an excellent buying experience. The €3 customs duty and VAT are separate issues. Australia Post’s current €3 duty problem does not affect EAS’s ability to provide IOSS services and collect and remit VAT correctly.

    What changed on 1 July 2026?

    The EU abolished its long-standing de minimis customs duty exemption for parcels valued under €150. In its place, the EU introduced a temporary flat €3 customs duty per HS code for B2C shipments entering the EU from outside the EU.

    The measure runs until 1 July 2028. After that date, tariff-rate duties will apply based on simplified HS code classification.

    1 July 2026 The EU’s temporary €3 customs duty took effect.
    Parcels under €150 The measure applies to B2C shipments entering the EU from outside the EU.
    €3 per HS code The duty applies according to the HS code information in the customs data.

    Miscommunications and misunderstandings

    Australia Post customers have received incorrect information from Australia Post customer support about the €3 duty and IOSS.

    Some customers have received statements including “stop using EAS IOSS”, “IOSS and the €3 duty do not work together” and “IOSS is obsolete”.

    “Stop using EAS IOSS”

    Changing to another IOSS intermediary does not resolve the issue. All IOSS numbers have the same priority, serve the same function and continue to remove the need to remit VAT to customs during clearance.

    Resolution of Australia Post’s issues rests solely with Australia Post. Changing IOSS intermediary resolves nothing.

    “IOSS and the €3 duty do not work together”

    This statement avoids the full picture. The €3 duty and VAT are two different issues, and only the €3 duty remains unresolved for Australia Post. Duty and VAT are collected and paid through different channels, while IOSS continues to streamline VAT collection.

    Other postal operators use IOSS and remit the €3 duty to most EU postal operators. The statement from Australia Post is not based on reality.

    “IOSS is obsolete”

    IOSS remains the most streamlined, cost-efficient way to handle VAT and provide an excellent buying experience. Couriers are now beginning to refuse shipments without IOSS numbers.

    The actual situation: Australia Post does not currently provide a proper payment solution for the €3 duty. This does not affect EAS’s ability to provide market-leading IOSS services or collect and remit VAT correctly.

    The third-party solution aggressively promoted by Australia Post does not resolve the duty issue. This conclusion comes from Australia Post’s own information, not from EAS.

    Australia Post’s current EU shipping position

    Australia Post has updated its guidance and is pushing sellers to submit accurate customs data electronically. The current position still contains several significant gaps.

    Issue Current Australia Post status
    €3 duty payment Not available. Australia Post is awaiting finalisation of EU postal partner agreements.
    IOSS VAT handling Not supported by Australia Post, resulting in costly customs clearance, heavy charges for end consumers and refused deliveries.
    Delivery model for the €3 duty DAP only, Delivered at Place. The buyer pays duties and the carrier’s collection fee at the door.
    Denmark Service suspended from 1 July 2026. No reinstatement date confirmed.
    Romania Service at risk, pending regulatory confirmation.
    Returned parcels Customs duties and handling fees on returned or refused shipments are non-refundable.

    Solutions that work now

    Courier services

    Couriers use centralised clearance, which removes most of the issue.

    Solutions in the future

    Australia Post

    Once Australia Post improves its systems, it will again be a very good option for Australian ecommerce sellers shipping to the EU.

    The situation is evolving rapidly. EAS will keep customers informed as the shipping routes develop.

    The solution coming soon: EAS EU Postal DDP for Australia

    EAS Postal DDP is already live for the UK, with Australia next

    EAS launched EAS Postal DDP for UK-to-EU shipments through Royal Mail at the beginning of July 2026. The service is explicitly designed for postal operators and their merchant customers.

    Australian merchants using Australia Post will be among the first non-European postal routes added to the EAS Postal DDP platform.

    The model is already proven. EAS Swiss Post DDP is live for Switzerland-to-EU shipments and provides:

    • Zero EU VAT registrations
    • Zero setup fees
    • DDP at postal rates, not courier rates
    • Full automation from checkout to customs clearance
    • Coverage across all 27 EU member states
    • Automatic refunds of 90% of VAT on returned items

    Australia is next: EAS EU Postal DDP for Australia is being prepared for Australian merchants using Australia Post.

    What Australian sellers should do right now

    EAS Postal DDP for Australia is being prepared. While it is coming, Australian sellers should take the following immediate steps.

    Immediate checklist for Australia Post EU shipping

    1. Warn EU customers at checkout. Until DDP is available, buyers will be asked to pay the €3 duty and customs clearance fees on delivery. Disclose this clearly to avoid refused deliveries and disputes.
    2. Audit your HS codes. The €3 duty is charged per HS category. Incorrect or missing codes create unexpected duty charges and customs delays.
    3. Structure customs line items correctly. Customs still considers line items, not only HS codes. Place products with the same HS code on the same line in the customs data.
    4. Use electronic customs data. Submit through MyPost Business, eParcel or the Australia Post Shipping API. Paper declarations face an increasing risk of delays at EU customs.
    5. Pause Denmark shipments. Service has been suspended since 1 July 2026. Monitor Romania.
    6. Register with EAS for IOSS now. EAS IOSS handles VAT automatically at checkout for orders under €150. Completing the EAS setup in advance provides a seamless transition when Australia Post DDP launches.
    7. Register your interest in EAS EU Postal DDP. Register at easproject.com/postal-ddp .

    Bottom line

    The €3 duty does not make IOSS obsolete. IOSS continues to provide the most streamlined and cost-efficient way to handle EU import VAT, while the customs duty follows a separate payment route.

    Changing IOSS intermediary does not fix an Australia Post systems issue. Keep EAS IOSS active, prepare customers for DAP charges, review customs data and register for the EAS EU Postal DDP launch in Australia.

    Prepare for EAS EU Postal DDP in Australia

    Register your interest in EAS EU Postal DDP and keep EU VAT automated through EAS IOSS while the Australia Post route is being prepared.

    Article scope: Australia Post, EAS IOSS, the EU €3 customs duty and the EAS EU Postal DDP solution for Australian ecommerce sellers.

  • My IOSS intermediary went bankrupt – here’s what to do next

    IOSS Intermediary Bankrupt? What to Do Next | EAS
    VAT & IOSS

    My IOSS Intermediary Went Bankrupt — Here’s What to Do Next

    Discovering your Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) intermediary has gone bankrupt can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you regain control quickly without stopping your sales.

    Discovering your Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) intermediary has gone bankrupt can feel overwhelming. However, quick, informed actions can significantly reduce disruptions to your business. This straightforward guide will help you regain control swiftly and, most importantly, ensure you don’t have to pause your sales!

    Step 1: Verify the Situation

    Immediately confirm your intermediary’s status through official EU tax authorities or directly from the intermediary. Official EU portals or local EU tax offices (such as Ireland’s Revenue.ie) are reliable sources for accurate updates.

    Step 2: Assess Immediate Compliance Risks

    Your intermediary’s bankruptcy invalidates your IOSS number, putting your business at risk of compliance violations, delayed shipments, and customer dissatisfaction. For example, during Eurora’s bankruptcy, VAT payments made to the intermediary weren’t forwarded to tax authorities, causing direct VAT claims against merchants. Quickly assess any outstanding VAT liabilities to avoid penalties.

    Remove the invalid IOSS number immediately from your systems to avoid accidental use.

    Step 3: Quickly Register with a New IOSS Intermediary

    Promptly register with a new, reliable IOSS intermediary. EAS Project can register companies for IOSS in real-time—often within just a few hours—ensuring you face minimal downtime. You won’t need to stop your sales, as onboarding is exceptionally quick, allowing for seamless continuation of your business operations. EAS offers fully automated IOSS Solutions, that are directly integrated with most common eCommerce Platforms. With us, no manual reporting or data uploads are required. Start the process by registering here: EAS Registration

    Step 4: Communicate Clearly with Your Customers

    Inform customers promptly about any potential shipment delays or temporary issues with VAT. Transparency preserves trust and helps maintain customer satisfaction. Be prepared to refund VAT charged upon delivery and, ideally, customs processing fees.

    Important Considerations

    • Your new intermediary cannot file reports or transfer previously incurred taxes from your bankrupt intermediary.
    • Keep invoices and payment receipts readily available. EU tax administrations typically accept these documents as proof of payment, helping you avoid double payments.
    • Regularly monitor your emails (including spam folders) for communications from EU tax administrations, which may arrive in various languages. Tools like AI translators can be very helpful here.

    Preventing Future Issues

    Regularly monitor your IOSS intermediary’s status, and always maintain a backup plan to safeguard your business from future disruptions.

    Act Now—Stay Compliant Without Interrupting Your Sales!

    At EAS Project, we’ve successfully assisted hundreds of merchants in quickly resuming normal operations following IOSS intermediary bankruptcies. Our efficient onboarding ensures your business continues uninterrupted.

    Contact EAS Project today and ensure your EU sales remain smooth, compliant, and profitable!

    Keep Your EU Sales Running

    Register with EAS, subscribe for compliance updates, or book a meeting with our team.

  • EU €3 Customs Duty 2026: What Sellers Actually Need to Know

    Is IOSS Still Worth It After the New €3 Fee? | EAS EU €3 Customs Duty 2026: Practical Guide for IOSS Sellers | EAS
    Shipping & Customs

    EU €3 Customs Duty 2026: What Sellers Actually Need to Know

    From 1 July 2026, low-value parcels sent to EU customers will no longer be automatically duty-free. A new €3 customs duty will apply to many ecommerce shipments, but there are important practical details sellers should understand before changing their setup.

    The simple version: if you sell low-value goods to EU customers, you should keep using IOSS where possible, check your HS codes, collect proper country-of-origin data and find out whether your goods may qualify for preferential duty treatment.

    What Is Changing?

    Until now, goods shipped to EU customers in consignments under €150 could enter the EU customs duty-free. That exemption is abolished from 1 July 2026 under Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382.

    Commission Delegated Regulation C(2026)2760 introduces a flat-rate customs duty of €3 per item. This applies from 1 July 2026 until 1 July 2028.

    For sellers, this means that low-value ecommerce parcels will need more accurate customs data than before. In practice, the most important fields are:

    • the correct 6-digit HS code,
    • a clear customs description of the product,
    • the country where the product was actually manufactured, and
    • preferential origin data, where the seller wants to claim reduced or zero duty.

    Example

    If you sell a t-shirt to a customer in Germany for €25, it is a low-value import. From 1 July 2026, that shipment may be subject to customs duty even though the value is below €150.

    If the t-shirt qualifies for preferential origin, for example because it was genuinely manufactured in a country that has a duty-free trade agreement with the EU, the duty may be reduced or avoided. However, the exact way to declare and prove this for low-value IOSS shipments has not yet been announced.

    What Counts as an “Item”?

    The €3 duty is not simply calculated by the number of products in the parcel. It is calculated by “item”.

    An item can include one or more goods in the same parcel that share the same:

    • 6-digit HS tariff classification,
    • customs description, and
    • country of origin, where origin is required.

    This is important because several identical products can count as one item if the customs data is the same.

    Practical Examples

    5 identical t-shirts
    Same HS code, same description and same origin. This may count as one item, so the duty would be €3 in total.
    2 different products
    A t-shirt and a phone case have different HS codes. They are separate items, so each may attract €3 duty.
    Same product, different origin
    Two identical products made in different countries may count as separate items because the country of origin is different.

    The Big Practical Point: Preferential Origin May Help

    This is the part sellers need to understand clearly.

    If your goods are manufactured in a country that has a preferential trade agreement with the EU, and the product meets that agreement’s rules of origin, you may be able to claim reduced or zero customs duty.

    In plain English: if the product is genuinely made in a qualifying country, and this can be proven in the way the EU requires, the €3 duty may not apply or may be reduced, depending on the product and the applicable agreement.

    Important: Shipping From a Country Is Not Enough

    A product does not qualify just because it is shipped from the UK, Switzerland, Türkiye or another trade-agreement country.

    The product must actually meet the preferential origin rules. For example, a product made in China and stored in a UK warehouse is usually still Chinese origin, not UK origin.

    Countries That May Qualify for Preferential Treatment

    The EU has preferential trade arrangements with many countries and regions. This means that certain goods manufactured in those countries may qualify for reduced or zero customs duty when imported into the EU, if the rules of origin are met.

    Common examples include:

    United Kingdom
    Switzerland
    Türkiye
    Norway
    Iceland
    Liechtenstein
    South Korea
    Japan
    Canada
    Vietnam
    Singapore
    New Zealand
    Ukraine
    Mexico
    Chile
    Morocco
    Tunisia
    Israel
    Serbia
    North Macedonia
    Albania
    Peru
    Colombia
    Ecuador

    This list is not exhaustive. The EU also has arrangements with several regional groups, including Central America, CARIFORUM, parts of Eastern and Southern Africa, the Pacific region and the Western Balkans.

    Seller Reminder

    Do not treat the country list as automatic approval. You still need to check the exact product, the HS code and the applicable rules of origin. The EU still needs to confirm how preferential origin will be declared for this new low-value import process.

    How Will Preferential Origin Be Proven?

    This part has not yet been confirmed.

    At the moment, the practical method for proving preferential origin for these low-value IOSS shipments has not been announced. Current H7 customs declarations have not supported this data properly, so it is still unclear how the required origin information will be added to the process.

    The EU is expected to announce further guidance on how sellers, platforms, carriers and customs authorities should handle this before the new rules take effect.

    What Sellers Should Know for Now

    Preferential origin may help reduce or avoid the €3 duty, but the exact declaration and proof process is not yet known. Sellers should start collecting country-of-origin information from suppliers now, but wait for official EU guidance on how this will be declared.

    What This Means for Your Product Data

    Most ecommerce platforms were not built for this level of customs detail. Many platforms do not yet have dedicated fields for customs description, preferential origin or origin documentation.

    That means sellers should start preparing their data now.

    1. HS Codes

    The HS code tells customs what the product is. If your HS codes are wrong, the duty calculation may also be wrong.

    Before 1 July 2026, sellers should review the 6-digit HS codes for all products sold to EU customers.

    2. Customs Description

    The customs description should explain what the goods actually are. It should not be only a marketing title.

    For example, “Summer Cloud Tee” is not a good customs description. “Cotton t-shirt” is much clearer.

    3. Country of Origin

    Country of origin means where the product was manufactured or sufficiently processed. It is not always the same as the country where the seller is based or where the parcel is shipped from.

    4. Preferential Origin Data

    If you want to benefit from preferential treatment, you will need to know whether the product qualifies under an EU trade agreement.

    However, the exact proof and declaration method for this new low-value import process has not yet been announced. Sellers should prepare their product and supplier data now, but the EU still needs to confirm how this information will be submitted in practice.

    If You Use IOSS

    IOSS remains the most efficient route for many low-value ecommerce sellers shipping to the EU.

    With IOSS, VAT is collected at checkout and the customer receives a clearer landed cost. This helps reduce the risk of unexpected charges at delivery and supports a smoother customs process.

    The new duty creates an extra customs layer, but it does not remove the main benefits of IOSS.

    Practical message for sellers: IOSS still helps keep the customer experience clean. The new task is to improve your product data so customs duty can be calculated correctly and any available preferential treatment can be claimed once the EU confirms the declaration process.

    If You Do Not Use IOSS

    Without IOSS, your parcel may enter EU customs without a clear pre-paid tax and duty arrangement.

    This can create a worse customer experience. The buyer may be asked to pay charges at delivery, and the parcel may be subject to standard customs procedures and carrier handling fees.

    For many sellers, leaving IOSS will not make EU sales easier. It may simply move the cost and confusion to the customer.

    What Sellers Should Do Now

    Here is the practical checklist:

    Seller Checklist Before 1 July 2026

    • Check your 6-digit HS codes for every product sold to EU customers.
    • Write clear customs descriptions for each product.
    • Collect country-of-origin data from your suppliers.
    • Identify which products are manufactured in countries with EU preferential trade arrangements.
    • Ask suppliers where the goods are manufactured and whether the products may qualify for preferential origin.
    • Watch for EU guidance on how preferential origin will be declared for low-value IOSS shipments.
    • Decide how you will show or include any duty cost at checkout.
    • Keep using IOSS where it gives your customers a cleaner delivery experience.

    From 1 July 2028

    The €3 duty is a transitional measure. From 1 July 2028, once the EU Customs Data Hub is operational, it is expected to be replaced by standard tariff rates applied through a simplified duty bracket system.

    The simplified duty brackets are expected to be 0%, 5%, 8%, 12% or 17%, depending on the product.

    The €150 customs duty exemption is permanently abolished. All imports, regardless of value, will be subject to customs duty rules.

    What Is Still Not Fully Confirmed?

    There are still operational questions that need further guidance.

    Payment Mechanism

    The practical mechanism for collecting and remitting the €3 duty is not yet fully resolved. The IOSS VAT return covers VAT, not customs duty.

    Role of IOSS Intermediaries

    It is not yet clear what role, if any, IOSS intermediaries will play in the duty payment process.

    Preferential Origin for Low-Value Parcels

    The EU has not yet confirmed how preferential origin will be declared or proven for these low-value IOSS shipments.

    This is important because current H7 declarations have not supported this data properly. Further guidance is expected on how the process will work in practice.

    Possible Customs Handling Fee

    A possible EU-wide customs handling fee has been discussed, but it has not been legislated. If adopted, it would be an additional cost on top of the duty.

    Bottom Line for Sellers

    The new €3 duty does not mean sellers should panic or abandon IOSS.

    The practical approach is to prepare your product data, understand where your goods are actually manufactured and check whether preferential origin may be relevant to your catalogue.

    For sellers with goods made in countries such as the UK, Switzerland, Türkiye, Norway, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Vietnam or other countries with EU trade arrangements, this could be especially important.

    But the rule is simple: country of origin must be real, and the EU still needs to confirm how sellers will declare and prove preferential origin for this low-value import process.

    Need Help Preparing?

    EAS will publish further guidance ahead of 1 July 2026. Contact your account manager or visit our Help Centre with any questions.

    Visit the Help Centre

    Sources: Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382; Commission Delegated Regulation C(2026)2760 of 30.4.2026; Council document ST-8820-2026-INIT/ADD-1; European Commission guidance on preferential rules of origin; European Commission EU trade agreements and preferential rules of origin guidance.

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