OSS/IOSS Number in Estonia

If you’re an e-commerce business selling goods to customers within the European Union (EU), understanding the OSS/IOSS number system is crucial. At Company for Business OÜ, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of IOSS number registration and compliance. We’ll explain what an IOSS number is, how it differs from OSS, and when you may need to apply for an IOSS number in Estonia.

What is an IOSS Number? How Does it Differ from OSS?

An IOSS identification number is a unique number used for the Import One-Stop Shop scheme for distance sales of imported goods to EU consumers where the intrinsic value of the consignment does not exceed €150. The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies the process of declaring and paying VAT for distance sales of imported goods with a value not exceeding €150.

On the other hand, the One-Stop Shop (OSS) system is used for intra-EU distance sales of goods and cross-border supplies of services to consumers within the EU. While both systems aim to simplify VAT compliance, the main difference is that IOSS deals with imported goods from non-EU countries, while OSS focuses on intra-EU transactions.

Obtaining an OSS/IOSS number in Estonia

Assistance in registering an OSS/IOSS Number in Estonia 400 EUR

When You May Need an IOSS Number

Determining whether you need to apply for an IOSS number is crucial for businesses engaged in e-commerce with EU consumers. Here are some key scenarios when you may need an IOSS id:

Selling goods to EU consumers from outside the EU

Businesses established both inside and outside the EU may use IOSS for eligible distance sales of imported goods not exceeding €150 per consignment. This applies to goods with a value not exceeding €150 per shipment.

online marketplaces

Utilizing online marketplaces

If you sell goods via online marketplaces to EU consumers, you might need an IOSS number. Some marketplaces may handle VAT collection and payment for you, so check with each marketplace to be sure.

Offering low-value goods

The OSS/IOSS number system is specifically designed for low-value goods, meaning those with a value not exceeding €150 per shipment. If your products fall within this category, you may need to apply for an IOSS number.

Shipping goods directly to EU consumers

To be eligible for IOSS, you must ship the goods directly to the end consumer in the EU. If you use intermediaries or fulfillment centers within the EU, you may not need an IOSS number.

It’s important to note that even if you determine that you need an IOSS ID, there are some restrictions to consider. For example, excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco products are excluded from IOSS. Additionally, if your goods exceed the €150 value threshold per shipment, you cannot use the OSS/IOSS number in the Estonian system.

At Company for Business OÜ, we understand that determining your IOSS eligibility can be complex. Our expert team can help you assess your specific situation and guide you through the process of obtaining an IOSS registration number. By ensuring compliance with EU regulations, you can avoid potential penalties and streamline your e-commerce operations.

If you’re unsure whether you need to apply for an IOSS number, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Company for Business OÜ. We’ll provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the IOSS number registration process with ease.

Restrictions Associated with IOSS Shipments

It’s important to note that there are some restrictions associated with IOSS shipments:

  • The goods must have a value not exceeding €150 per shipment
  • The goods must be shipped directly to the consumer
  • Excise goods, such as alcohol and tobacco products, are excluded from IOSS

Understanding these restrictions is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

How to Get an IOSS Number and How We Can Help

Obtaining an IOSS registration number is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail and compliance with EU regulations. At Company for Business OÜ, we understand the complexities involved and are here to guide you through every step of the way.

Determine eligibility

The first step in applying for an IOSS number is determining whether your business is eligible. This involves assessing factors such as your location, the value of goods sold, and the destination of shipments. Our team can help evaluate your eligibility and provide guidance on the best course of action.

 

Choose an EU member state

Once you’ve determined that you need to get an IOSS number, you’ll need to choose an EU member state for your registration. Estonia is an attractive option for many businesses due to its business-friendly environment and efficient tax authorities.

Appoint an EU-based intermediary

A non-EU business generally needs an EU-established intermediary to use IOSS, unless it is established in a country with which the EU has concluded an agreement on mutual assistance for VAT matters covering IOSS. The intermediary acts on your behalf with tax authorities and ensures all obligations are met. Company for Business OÜ can assist with IOSS registration and compliance; intermediary services are available only where the company is legally entitled to act as an IOSS intermediary.

Register for an IOSS number

Once eligibility is confirmed and an intermediary appointed, the next step is to apply for an IOSS number with the member state’s tax authorities. This involves submitting business details, tax IDs, and contact info. Our team at Company for Business OÜ will assist in gathering and submitting the documentation accurately.

At Company for Business OÜ, we offer comprehensive assistance to help you navigate the process of obtaining an OSS/IOSS number in Estonia. Our services include:

  • Eligibility assessment and guidance
  • Intermediary services for non-EU businesses
  • Assistance with gathering and submitting registration documents
  • Ongoing support and compliance monitoring
  • Technical guidance for e-commerce platform and invoicing system updates

By partnering with us, you can have confidence that your IOSS number registration process will be handled efficiently and accurately. We stay up-to-date with the latest EU regulations and best practices, ensuring that your business remains compliant and avoids potential penalties.

Don’t let the complexity of IOSS id registration hold back your e-commerce growth. Contact Company for Business OÜ today to learn more about how we can help you get an IOSS number and streamline your VAT compliance processes. Our expert team is ready to provide the personalized support you need to succeed in the EU market.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IOSS is a special VAT scheme for distance sales of goods imported from outside the EU in consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding €150.

The introduction of the special procedure for taxation of e-commerce and services will make it easier for entrepreneurs to fulfil their turnover tax obligations in another EU Member State. An entrepreneur who has chosen the special procedure may declare the turnover generated in another EU Member State and pay turnover tax to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.

From 01.07.2021, the special procedure applies to the distance sale of goods within the Community, the distance sale of goods within the Community via Internet trading platforms, and to services whose turnover takes place in another EU Member State (special procedure OSS). From 1 July 2021, IOSS applies to eligible distance sales of goods imported from outside the EU in consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding €150. In certain marketplace transactions, the marketplace itself may be treated as the deemed supplier for VAT purposes.

IOSS – the declaration is filed once a month for the previous month

OSS – the return is filed once a quarter for the previous quarter.

VAT due under the OSS or IOSS scheme is declared in the relevant special VAT return and paid to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, which forwards the amounts to the relevant EU Member States.

OSS (One Stop Shop) is a special VAT scheme for qualifying cross-border B2C supplies of services and intra-EU distance sales of goods. For intra-EU distance sales of goods under OSS, goods are dispatched or transported from one EU Member State to a consumer in another EU Member State.

In Estonia, IOSS / OSS numbers are issued by the Tax and Customs Board.

The difference lies in how the goods reach the final buyer. OSS may apply to qualifying intra-EU distance sales where goods are dispatched from one EU Member State to a consumer in another Member State. Domestic sales from a warehouse to a customer in the same Member State are generally outside OSS. If the goods are not sent to a warehouse in the EU, but go, for example, from China directly to the final buyer in the EU, then IOSS applies.

If the seller does not use OSS for eligible supplies, local VAT registration may be required in the relevant EU Member States, depending on the type of supply and applicable VAT rules.; For eligible imported goods not exceeding €150, IOSS allows the seller or deemed supplier to collect VAT at checkout. Without IOSS, import VAT is generally collected upon importation or delivery under the applicable customs and VAT procedure.