@NatashaD I feel your pain. The Netherlands is also not up to date on IOSS, I know that from conversations with an Etsy seller (Etsy includes IOSS as part of the platform) who has had to stop shipping to the Netherlands. You’re also right about handling charges, it’s 4 euros if it’s delivered or 7 euros from a pickup point, on top of that of course is the VAT being charged again. It’s a similar situation in Latvia as well. You also mentioned Spain and I notice that quite a few larger companies won’t ship anything less than €150 now leaving the customer responsible for the tax, I can only assume that is also due to the IOSS. I have my doubts whether Germany will be ready in January 22, certainly I have customers there who don’t believe that will be the case. According to one of them, if it’s digital, forget it, apparently online activities relating to government departments is definitely not part of the famous German efficiency model.
I do get what you mean about wanting to continue to offer a service to loyal customers in the EU. However, at the moment I’ve decided not to start shipping there as it could end up being a hassle for them as well as me. Another problem that I’m very wary of is using courier companies for products going to the EU, because when they foul up or customs refuse the package your troubles can be just beginning. Depending on the company, it might ask you for payment before they return it or as in the case of TNT, return the parcel to you and then a month later hit you with a bill that is often 3 to 4 times larger than what it cost to send in the first place. You could argue it I know, but the demands dropping through the letterbox and in your inbox is just another hassle. They don’t give up easily.
Anyway, it seems from conversations on here that it is working out for some people, but for me personally I have enough problems to deal with and don’t want to create any more for what is a relatively small part of my business. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.