Is VAT registration mandatory for new websites shipping to the EU?

[Pavan10]

Hello I live in Qatar - VAT free country, but I ship my products to the EU. I have just opened my website a few days ago, and in the "Contact Information" section it shows I have to enter a VAT number. Is it mandatory to have a VAT number? If it is, I cannot get a VAT number in Qatar, what should I do?

[TeemuEAS]

Hi Pavan10, 

Congratulations on your store! In short, VAT number is not obligatory for selling online. There are some cases where you cannot proceed without one, so just input something that is clearly not a correct VAT number like GB123456789 to continue. 

VAT number is also not a requirement for sales to Europe. But to make the purchase process smooth (and reduce the returns and get customers to return), a registration for IOSS and UK VAT are recommended. If this is something you are aspiring, just get in touch with us at EAS Project 🙂 

https://apps.shopify.com/eas-eu-compliance