Do I Need an IOSS Intermediary?

Selling to EU customers from outside the European Union can be profitable, but it also comes with added compliance requirements. One of the most common questions international sellers ask is: “Do I need an IOSS Intermediary?”

The answer depends on where your business is based. In this guide, we’ll break down what an IOSS intermediary is, who needs one, what it costs, and how EAS Project makes the process simple and automated.

What Is an IOSS Intermediary?

The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme was introduced in July 2021 to simplify VAT collection for cross-border eCommerce. It allows businesses to:

• Collect VAT at checkout (instead of at the border).
• File a single monthly VAT return for all EU sales.
• Speed up customs clearance and improve delivery times.

However, if your company is not established in the EU, you cannot register for IOSS directly. Instead, you must appoint an IOSS intermediary, an EU-based representative who is jointly responsible for:

• Registering your business for IOSS.
• Handling monthly VAT reporting and filing.
• Making VAT payments to EU tax authorities.
• Acting as the legal point of contact inside the EU.

In short: an intermediary is your compliance partner inside the EU.

Who Needs an IOSS Intermediary?

Whether you need an intermediary depends on where your business is registered:

• EU-based sellers: Do not need an intermediary. They can register for IOSS directly with their local tax office.
• Non-EU sellers (UK, US, Asia, etc.): Must appoint an IOSS intermediary in order to participate in the scheme.

That means if you are a UK online store, a US WooCommerce merchant, or an Asian Amazon seller, you cannot obtain an IOSS number without an intermediary.

Learn more about IOSS registration with EAS.

Why an IOSS Intermediary Matters

Trying to sell to the EU without IOSS registration has major downsides:

• You cannot get an IOSS number for customs clearance.
• Customers will face unexpected VAT and handling fees on delivery.
• Orders may be delayed, refused, or returned due to non-compliance.

With an intermediary, the picture changes:

• VAT is collected at checkout.
• Customers see a transparent final price.
• Customs clearance is faster and smoother.
• You only file one VAT return monthly, instead of registering in multiple EU countries.

The Cost of IOSS Intermediary Services

IOSS intermediary cost depends on the provider. Some charge expensive annual fees or add-on costs for reporting.

EAS Project offers simple, transparent pricing starting from €19.90/month, with no registration fees or hidden charges.

Included in this monthly fee:

• IOSS registration and a unique IOSS number.
• Acting as your intermediary.
• Automated VAT calculation and collection.
• Monthly reporting and filing.
• Free setup and configuration.

See full details on our Pricing Page.

How EAS IOSS Intermediary Services Work

EAS provides a turnkey solution that eliminates the complexity of EU VAT compliance:

1. Fast IOSS Registration – Receive your IOSS number within a few days.
2. Intermediary Role – EAS acts as your official EU intermediary.
3. Automated Compliance – Sales data from WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix, and other platforms is collected automatically.
4. Monthly Reporting – EAS prepares and files your VAT reports.
5. VAT Payments – You pay one invoice monthly; EAS distributes VAT to EU tax authorities.

This fully automated approach saves you time, reduces errors, and ensures full compliance.

Why Choose EAS?

• Full compliance with EU law.
• Your own unique IOSS number.
• Automation for major platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Free setup, onboarding, and configuration.

Register for IOSS today and let EAS handle the compliance while you focus on growth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a non-EU seller, appointing an IOSS intermediary is only necessary if you want to register for an IOSS number. The IOSS scheme itself is optional, you can still sell to EU customers without it. However, without IOSS your buyers will face VAT charges and handling fees upon delivery, often leading to delays, higher costs, and lower customer satisfaction.

By registering for IOSS, you make the process far smoother: VAT is collected at checkout, customs clearance is faster, and your customers enjoy a transparent buying experience. For non-EU sellers, the only way to access the IOSS scheme and get an IOSS number is through an intermediary.

With EAS IOSS intermediary services, you get cost-effective, fully automated compliance, making EU VAT simple, while you focus on growing your store.

Discover our IOSS Intermediary Services and start today.