What Is an IOSS Number and Why You Need It for EU Shipments
IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) is a super helpful system that simplifies VAT (Value Added Tax) collection for international shipments to the EU. If you're a non-EU business selling goods to EU customers, you’ll need an IOSS number to make sure VAT is handled smoothly on goods worth €150 or less. Here’s everything you need to know about it, why it matters, and how to make it work for your shipments. 📦
What is an IOSS Number?
The IOSS number is like a VAT passport for your goods! 🛂 It's assigned to non-EU businesses that sell directly to EU consumers. When you register for IOSS, you get a unique number that allows you to charge and collect VAT upfront at the point of sale, rather than dealing with customs when the goods arrive in the EU. This makes your life easier by speeding up the delivery process and reducing unexpected fees for your customers! 💸
Who Needs an IOSS Number?
If you’re a non-EU business selling goods worth under €150 to customers in the EU, you need an IOSS number. 🌍 Here are some examples of who would use it:
- Online Retailers 🛒
- E-commerce Marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy 🌐
- Dropshipping stores 📦
- Subscription box services 📦✨
- Small businesses shipping to the EU 🌱
Why is the IOSS Number Important?
The IOSS number:
- Simplifies VAT collection: You can collect VAT at checkout, making it easy for both you and your customers! 💰
- Speeds up customs processing: Customs will see that VAT is already paid, so your shipments clear faster! 🏃♂️💨
- Prevents unexpected fees: Your customers know exactly how much they’re paying upfront, so no surprises at delivery. 🎉
IOSS and DDP - Who Pays the VAT? 💸
If you're using an IOSS number, you're essentially offering DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping to your customers in the EU. Here's how it works:
- IOSS and DDP: With IOSS, you, as the shipper, take responsibility for paying the VAT and potentially any import duties on the goods before they arrive in the EU. This is in line with the DDP model, where the shipper covers all taxes and duties, and the buyer doesn’t have to pay anything extra upon delivery.
- No Extra Costs for the Buyer: The IOSS number ensures that VAT is already collected at checkout, so your customers won’t face any additional fees or delays at customs. This is a key benefit of DDP - your buyer only pays the amount they see at checkout, without any surprises! 🎉
How to Use Your IOSS Number in TUNL 📝
When booking a shipment on TUNL, you can easily add your IOSS number in the "Product Reference" field. This ensures that your IOSS number is included on the commercial invoice, which helps customs and your carrier know that VAT has already been collected. 🌍📄
You can also add your IOSS number directly in the Shipping Defaults section of your TUNL profile, so it automatically applies to all future shipments, saving you time and ensuring consistency across your shipments! ⏳
What Happens If I Forget to Add the IOSS Number? 🤦♂️
It can be tricky to share your IOSS number with the carrier once the shipment is in transit. The commercial invoice is the primary document used by customs, so if it’s missing your IOSS number, it might cause delays at customs. 🚨
But don't worry! If you notice that the IOSS number wasn’t added, you can TUNL right away. We may be able to update the shipment details, though this isn’t always guaranteed. 📞
Quick Tips for Smooth Shipping with IOSS ✅
- Add your IOSS number in the "Product Reference" field when booking your shipment in TUNL.
- Double-check that your commercial invoice includes the IOSS number before shipping. 🛠️
- If your shipment is already on its way, contact TUNL to update the details if needed.
- For shipments over €150, you won’t need an IOSS number - just standard customs processing. 📦✋
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Keywords: IOSS number, VAT, EU shipments, IOSS registration, commercial invoice, international shipping, TUNL shipping, non-EU business, VAT compliance, DDP shipping.
Updated on: 29/08/2025
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