At EAS, we understand the importance of seamless IOSS compliance for your e-commerce business. Recent temporary issues with EU customs IOSS validation 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

EU customs are experiencing occasional hiccups in verifying IOSS 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 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

What is the issue with IOSS number validation 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.

Why are customers receiving notification 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.