We have heard unpleasant news about an IOSS Intermediary in Ireland shutting down. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your EU sales continue without disruption. At EAS, we’re here to help keep your sales flowing smoothly!
Discovering that your Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) intermediary has stopped providing services can feel overwhelming. However, quick, informed actions can significantly reduce disruptions to your business. This straightforward guide will help you regain control swiftly and, most importantly, ensure you don’t have to pause your sales!
Step 1: Verify the Situation
Immediately confirm your intermediary’s status through official EU tax authorities or directly from the intermediary. Official EU portals or local EU tax offices (such as Ireland’s Revenue.ie) are reliable sources for accurate updates.
Step 2: Assess Immediate Compliance Risks
When your intermediary stops providing services, your IOSS number becomes invalid, putting your business at risk of compliance violations, delayed shipments, and customer dissatisfaction. For example, during the Eurora case, VAT payments made to the intermediary weren’t forwarded to tax authorities, causing direct VAT claims against merchants. Quickly assess any outstanding VAT liabilities to avoid penalties.
Remove the invalid IOSS number immediately from your systems to avoid accidental use.
Additionally, ensure all EU sales data is double-stored (both at the country and item level) to maintain compliance and facilitate a smooth transition to a new intermediary. All payment transactions should also be stored and double-stored for auditing and reporting purposes. Do not delete any messages related to IOSS transactions, or with your intermediary, as they may be critical for future reference or tax administration inquiries.
Step 3: Quickly Register with a New IOSS Intermediary
Promptly register with a new, reliable IOSS intermediary. EAS can register companies for IOSS in real time—often onboarding merchants within just a few hours—ensuring you face minimal downtime. You won’t need to stop your sales, as onboarding is exceptionally quick, allowing for seamless continuation of your business operations.
EAS offers fully automated IOSS solutions, directly integrated with most common eCommerce platforms. With us, no manual reporting or data uploads are required. Read about EAS on the Shopify App Store
Step 4: Communicate Clearly with Your Customers
Inform customers promptly about any potential shipment delays or temporary issues with VAT. Transparency preserves trust and helps maintain customer satisfaction. Be prepared to refund VAT charged upon delivery and, ideally, customs processing fees.
Important Considerations
Your new intermediary cannot file reports or transfer previously incurred taxes from your previous intermediary.
Keep invoices and payment receipts readily available. EU tax administrations typically accept these documents as proof of payment, helping you avoid double payments.
Regularly monitor your emails (including spam folders) for communications from EU tax administrations, which may arrive in various languages. Tools like AI translators can be very helpful here.
Preventing Future Issues
Regularly monitor your IOSS intermediary’s status and always maintain a backup plan to safeguard your business from future disruptions.
Act Now—Stay Compliant Without Interrupting Your Sales!
At EAS, we’ve successfully assisted hundreds of merchants in quickly resuming normal operations after an intermediary stopped providing services. Our efficient onboarding ensures your business continues uninterrupted.
Contact EAS today and ensure your EU sales remain smooth, compliant, and profitable!
