IOSSjärjestelmää

The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is a European Union VAT (Value Added Tax) scheme. It was introduced on July 1, 2021, to simplify the VAT obligations for businesses selling goods to consumers within the EU. The IOSS system is particularly beneficial for businesses that sell low-value goods (under €150) to EU customers from outside the EU.

Before the IOSS, VAT was often collected by customs authorities upon import, which could lead to delays and additional administrative burdens for both businesses and consumers. With the IOSS, businesses can register in one EU Member State and declare and pay VAT for all their eligible intra-EU sales through a single VAT return. This means they do not need to register for VAT in every EU country where they sell goods.

To use the IOSS, businesses must appoint an intermediary established in the EU. This intermediary handles the VAT registration, submission of VAT returns, and payment of VAT on behalf of the business. The selling price of the goods must include the applicable VAT rate of the Member State of consumption. When the goods are imported into the EU, the supplier or their intermediary declares the VAT via the IOSS system. This exemption from import VAT at the point of customs clearance helps to speed up deliveries.

The IOSS system is designed to make it easier for businesses to comply with VAT regulations when selling cross-border within the EU, thereby promoting e-commerce and simplifying international trade for smaller businesses. It aims to create a more seamless and transparent VAT collection process for low-value consignments.