How to Register for IOSS
For businesses selling from outside the European Union to EU customers, managing VAT can be complex. The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme was introduced in July 2021 to make this process simpler and more transparent for both sellers and buyers.
Through IOSS registration, companies can collect VAT at checkout, submit a single monthly VAT return, and ensure their EU customers pay the full landed cost when ordering — without unexpected import charges on delivery.
This article explains what IOSS is, who needs to register, and how non-EU companies can complete their IOSS registration through an authorised intermediary such as EAS Project.
What Is IOSS?
The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) is an electronic VAT system for cross-border eCommerce. It applies to business-to-consumer (B2C) sales of goods valued at €150 or less, shipped from a non-EU country to a customer within the EU.
Under IOSS, sellers collect VAT from the buyer at the point of sale and declare it in a single EU member state each month. This replaces the old system where customers had to pay VAT and a handling fee to the courier upon delivery.
By using IOSS, shipments clear customs faster, VAT is correctly remitted to EU tax authorities, and customers experience transparent, predictable pricing.
Why Use IOSS?
Using IOSS is optional, but it has become the preferred method for cross-border sellers because it improves both compliance and customer experience.
Without IOSS, parcels are sent Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU). In that case, EU buyers must pay import VAT and often an additional carrier handling fee of €3–€15 when the parcel arrives. This can cause confusion, delivery refusals, and higher return rates.
With IOSS, VAT is prepaid at checkout, customs release is faster, and buyers receive their orders without further charges. This transparency builds trust, improves conversion rates, and reduces support issues related to unexpected delivery fees.
Who Needs to Register for IOSS?
Any business located outside the European Union that sells goods directly to EU consumers for a value not exceeding €150 per order can use IOSS.
However, non-EU sellers cannot register for IOSS directly. They must appoint an EU-based intermediary to act on their behalf.
The intermediary is jointly responsible for filing the monthly VAT return and paying the collected VAT to the EU tax authorities. Without an intermediary, a non-EU business cannot obtain or use an IOSS number.
How to Register for IOSS as a Non-EU Seller
Step 1: Choose an Intermediary
Select a trusted intermediary authorised to operate within the EU. The intermediary will manage registration, reporting, and payments.
EAS Project is a leading provider of IOSS intermediary services, offering a fully automated compliance solution for online sellers worldwide.
Step 2: Prepare Required Information
Before applying, gather the following details and documents:
Legal company name and registration certificate
Company address and contact details
Name and ID of the responsible person
VAT registration certificate (if applicable)
Your intermediary will use this information to complete your registration with the relevant EU tax authority.
Step 3: Submit the Registration
Once your documents are verified, your intermediary submits the IOSS registration to the chosen member state.
With EAS, this process is digital and can usually be completed within a few hours.
When registration is approved, you will receive a unique IOSS number that must be added to all customs declarations for eligible EU shipments.
Step 4: Configure Your Online Store
Your eCommerce platform — such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix— must be configured to:
Display VAT-inclusive pricing for EU customers
Collect VAT at checkout based on the buyer’s destination country
Record sales data for IOSS reporting
EAS provides free installation and configuration support to ensure VAT is applied correctly and sales data flows automatically into your IOSS reports.
Step 5: File Monthly VAT Returns
Each month, you must file a single IOSS VAT return and remit the total VAT collected to your intermediary.
EAS automates this process entirely — your sales data is gathered from your store, the report is prepared, and the VAT is distributed to the correct EU member states on your behalf.
How Much Does IOSS Registration Cost?
The cost of IOSS registration depends on your service provider. Some charge high setup or annual fees.
EAS Project offers transparent pricing starting from €19.90 per month, which includes:
IOSS registration
Unique IOSS number
Intermediary services for non-EU sellers
Automated VAT reporting and filing
Free onboarding and configuration
There are no registration or annual fees. You can view the full plan details at the EAS Pricing page.
After Registration: Using Your IOSS Number
Once your IOSS number is active:
Include it on customs declarations for all EU orders under €150.
Provide it to your logistics partners to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Keep transaction records for at least ten years, as required by EU law.
With EAS, all IOSS filings, VAT payments, and compliance requirements are handled automatically, so you can focus on growing your store.
Why Register for IOSS with EAS Project
EAS Project provides a complete IOSS compliance service for non-EU sellers. The system integrates directly with major eCommerce platforms, collecting VAT data automatically and submitting accurate reports each month.
As your authorised intermediary, EAS ensures full compliance with EU VAT regulations, handles all reporting and payments, and provides complete transparency through a central online dashboard.
The result is a faster, simpler, and fully compliant way to sell to customers across the European Union.
Conclusion
IOSS registration is not mandatory, but it is the most efficient and customer-friendly way for non-EU sellers to manage VAT on low-value EU orders. By collecting VAT at checkout, you remove hidden delivery costs for customers, reduce delays at customs, and improve overall satisfaction.
For businesses outside the EU, IOSS can only be accessed through an intermediary. EAS Project offers a complete, automated solution — from registration to reporting — making compliance straightforward and affordable.
Visit easproject.com/reg to start your registration and simplify your EU VAT process today.
