EU VAT & IOSS checker for non-EU sellers
Figure out VAT / OSS / IOSS and UK VAT in one run. Get a complete compliance report in under 3 minutes.
Not sure if you need IOSS or OSS? Read the EU VAT explained guide first.
Do my EU orders require VAT, OSS or IOSS registration?
EU VAT thresholds and low-value consignments (under €150)
Understanding the €150 threshold is critical for e-commerce sellers. Orders under this value can use the Import One-Stop-Shop (IOSS) system to simplify VAT collection and speed up customs clearance. Above this threshold, different rules apply depending on your total sales volume and target markets.
How to collect VAT on Shopify / WooCommerce / custom checkout
Your e-commerce platform must be configured to calculate and display VAT correctly based on customer location. Shopify and WooCommerce both offer VAT features, but proper configuration is essential. For custom checkouts, you'll need to implement VAT calculation logic that respects EU VAT rates by country.
IOSS intermediary / fiscal representative options
Non-EU businesses typically need an IOSS intermediary to register for IOSS. These intermediaries act as your tax representative in the EU, handling VAT registration, IOSS number issuance, and quarterly VAT returns. Costs vary from €200-€1000+ annually depending on transaction volumes.
Common VAT / IOSS errors that slow down customs clearance
Missing or incorrect IOSS numbers on customs declarations can cause significant delays. Other common errors include: incorrect VAT rates applied at checkout, missing IOSS number on commercial invoices, failing to file IOSS returns on time, and incorrectly declaring goods valued above €150 under IOSS.
How often to rerun an EU VAT readiness check
EU VAT rules evolve regularly. We recommend running a readiness check: when expanding to new EU markets, quarterly to catch rule updates, before major sales campaigns, and whenever your business model changes (e.g., opening an EU warehouse, adding new product categories).
How to issue VAT-compliant invoices for EU customers
EU VAT invoices must include specific information: your business name and address, customer name and address, unique invoice number and date, description of goods or services, VAT rate applied, VAT amount in euros, total amount, and your IOSS number (if applicable). Keep copies for at least 10 years.
How to file VAT returns when your business is outside the EU
If using IOSS, you (or your intermediary) must file quarterly returns via the IOSS portal, reporting all EU sales and VAT collected. For OSS (One-Stop-Shop), monthly returns may be required depending on volume. Your IOSS intermediary typically handles this, but you must provide accurate sales data.
OSS vs IOSS vs local VAT — which one should a non-EU seller choose?
IOSS is for distance sales of goods under €150 from outside the EU. OSS is for EU-established businesses or for goods already in the EU. Local VAT registration is required if you have an EU establishment (warehouse, office) or sell goods over €150 in value. Most non-EU e-commerce sellers start with IOSS for cross-border shipments.
UK VAT when selling to the UK in parallel with the EU
Post-Brexit, the UK operates a separate VAT system. Goods valued up to £135 require you to charge UK VAT at point of sale. You must register for UK VAT (or use a UK VAT representative) to collect and remit UK VAT. This is separate from EU IOSS registration. Many sellers use specialized UK VAT intermediaries to handle UK compliance alongside their EU VAT obligations.
Related guides
EU & UK market-entry checklist for e-commerce
GDPR / UK GDPR & cookie consent alignment with VAT rules
If you're collecting VAT from EU/UK customers, you're also likely collecting personal data (names, addresses, order history). This triggers GDPR and UK GDPR requirements. Your privacy policy must disclose how you use customer data, why you collect it (contract fulfillment, tax compliance), and how long you retain it (typically 7-10 years for tax records).
Where to place the disclosure in your footer
EU regulations require clear, accessible links to your privacy policy, cookie policy, terms of service, and DSA disclosures in your website footer. These should be visible on every page, not buried in sub-menus. Use clear labels like "Privacy", "Cookies", "Terms", and "EU Disclosures" or "Legal Notice".
Integrating the VAT/IOSS checker into MkSaaS dashboard
Once you've run your VAT readiness check, save the results to your EU Market Ready dashboard. Track your IOSS registration status, renewal dates, quarterly return deadlines, and any rule changes that affect your compliance. Set up automatic reminders for filing deadlines.
How to export the report for stakeholders
Your VAT readiness report can be exported as a PDF with timestamped compliance status, recommended actions, and links to official resources. Share this with your accountant, legal team, or business partners to ensure everyone understands your EU/UK VAT obligations.
How to update the report when EU rules change
EU Market Ready monitors official EU VAT rule changes and updates the ruleset version accordingly. When changes occur, you'll see a notification to rerun your VAT check. Each report is versioned so you can compare how requirements have evolved over time.
How to document the market-entry steps in your org
Create an internal compliance checklist based on your VAT readiness report. Document: IOSS registration completion date and number, intermediary contact information, checkout VAT configuration steps, invoice template updates, quarterly return schedule, and responsible team members. Store this in a shared location accessible to finance, operations, and customer service teams.
Team-level access and audit log for compliance checks
EU Market Ready supports team accounts with role-based access. Assign different permissions to finance (full access to reports and exports), operations (view-only access to implementation guides), and executives (summary dashboards). All actions are logged for audit purposes.
French packaging number and German VerpackG visibility
If you're shipping physical goods to France or Germany, you likely need country-specific packaging registrations. In France, this is the eco-organisme system with numbers like "FR123456_01ABCD". In Germany, you need a LUCID registration number. These requirements exist even if you're only registered for IOSS and have no physical presence in these countries.
DSA website disclosure for platforms and webshops
The EU Digital Services Act requires online platforms and even some webshops to disclose specific information: legal name and address of operator, contact details (email, phone), how users can lodge complaints, and information about content moderation policies (if applicable). This disclosure must be easily accessible, typically via a footer link labeled "DSA Information" or "Legal Notice".
Related compliance tools for non-EU sellers
GDPR & UK GDPR policy generator
Generate compliant privacy policies, cookie policies, and DSAR intake forms tailored to your e-commerce business. Our generator asks about your data collection practices, third-party tools (analytics, marketing pixels), and target markets to create customized policies that meet GDPR and UK GDPR standards.
Generate GDPR Policies →Pricing plans for solo sellers vs agencies
Solo sellers: Starter plan at $19/mo includes 1 VAT readiness check per month and 1 GDPR policy generation. Agencies: Growth plan at $39/mo includes unlimited checks, 3 team seats, and all compliance modules. One-off reports available at $29 each for sellers who only need occasional compliance checks.
Support for US / UAE / Turkey / SEA merchants
We specifically designed EU Market Ready for non-EU sellers from major e-commerce hubs: United States, UAE (especially Dubai free zones), Turkey, Singapore, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. Our guides reference common scenarios from these regions and link to appropriate IOSS intermediaries familiar with sellers from your country.
Disclaimer: guidance, not legal advice
EU Market Ready provides informational guidance to help you understand EU and UK compliance requirements. This is not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, especially if you have complex cross-border operations, consult with a qualified EU tax advisor or attorney licensed in the relevant EU member states.
How to contact us for country-specific VAT advice
While we can't provide legal advice, our support team can point you toward official resources, recommend IOSS intermediaries experienced with sellers from your country, and help interpret our tool's recommendations. For complex scenarios, we maintain a referral network of EU tax advisors who specialize in cross-border e-commerce.
One-off report vs monthly subscription
Choose a one-off report ($29) if you're just starting to explore the EU market and want a single compliance snapshot. Choose monthly subscription (Starter $19 or Growth $39) if you're actively selling, need to rerun checks as rules change, or want access to multiple compliance modules (GDPR, CBAM, packaging/EPR).
Language and localization notes
EU Market Ready is primarily in English, as this is the working language for most international sellers. We provide optional Chinese help text at the bottom of key screens for sellers from China and Chinese-speaking regions. All generated documents and official links are in English or the official EU language of the relevant authority.
EU CBAM quick checker
If you import carbon-intensive goods (steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers) into the EU, you may need to comply with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism starting in 2026-2027. Our CBAM checker helps you determine if your imports are covered, estimate costs, and generate supplier data request templates.
Check CBAM Status →EPR / packaging / DSA notice helper
France, Germany, and other EU countries have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for packaging, electronics, and textiles. Plus, the Digital Services Act requires website disclosures. Use our helper to determine which country-level requirements apply to your business and generate compliant footer snippets.
Check EPR & DSA Requirements →Get your EU VAT readiness report now
Answer a few questions about your business and get a detailed report on your VAT, IOSS, and OSS obligations in under 3 minutes.