August 20, 2019
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Launching into the UK market, Starshipit now offers integrations with leading European couriers....
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Understanding IOSS in Europe: Compliance and customer satisfaction
Summary: IOSS is an EU scheme that can simplify VAT declaration and payment for certain distance sales of low-value goods imported into the EU. It generally applies to consignments not exceeding EUR 150, but eligibility depends on the goods and transaction. Confirm your obligations using current EU guidance and qualified tax advice.
Editor’s note: reviewed August 2026. The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU scheme for certain distance sales of low-value goods imported into the EU. It is optional, not a requirement for every EU-bound shipment. This guide explains the operational setup in Starshipit; it is not tax or customs advice. Confirm the treatment for your goods, origin, marketplace arrangement and destination with current European Commission guidance and a qualified adviser.
Table of contents
- What is IOSS and when can it apply to ecommerce orders?
- What if my business isn’t based in the EU?
- Setting up IOSS numbers for each marketplace you sell through
- Automating IOSS using the Starshipit rules engine
- How IOSS works with your couriers
- Shipping from Australia into the EU
- How does IOSS work in practice? A look at two examples
- Frequently asked questions
- FAQs
What is IOSS and when can it apply to ecommerce orders?
IOSS is an optional EU scheme that can simplify VAT declaration and payment for eligible distance sales of goods imported into the EU. It applies to non-excise goods in consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding EUR 150. Before registering or relying on IOSS, check the current EU guidance and obtain professional tax advice for your specific setup.
What if my business isn’t based in the EU?
A business established outside the EU will generally need an EU-established intermediary to use IOSS. There is a limited exception where the business is established in a country with an EU mutual-assistance agreement and the goods are dispatched from that country. Check the European Commission’s current registration guidance before choosing a Member State or intermediary.
Setting up IOSS numbers for each marketplace you sell through
In Starshipit, you can configure shipper tax numbers, including IOSS numbers, for the relevant destination. If you sell through multiple marketplaces, confirm which party is responsible for VAT in each transaction and use the applicable IOSS number. Before dispatch, check that your selected courier and service support IOSS. See how to set up shipper tax numbers in Starshipit.
Using rules to assign IOSS tax numbers
Where an order includes the correct IOSS number, Starshipit rules can assign the relevant shipper tax number when the order is imported. Build conditions from verified marketplace or integration data, then test a sample order before dispatch. The correct number depends on the transaction and marketplace arrangement, so do not apply one number to every EU-bound order by default.
How IOSS works with your couriers
For an eligible IOSS order, the IOSS VAT identification number needs to be made available for the customs declaration. In Starshipit, add the applicable shipper tax number and confirm the selected carrier supports IOSS for the service and route you use. Carrier support and customs processes can change, so check the current Starshipit support guidance and your carrier’s requirements before dispatch.
Shipping from Australia into the EU
IOSS is not mandatory for every shipment from Australia into the EU. It can be used for eligible distance sales of non-excise goods imported from outside the EU in consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding EUR 150. Where IOSS is not used or the order is outside the scheme, a different VAT and customs process may apply. Confirm the route, marketplace role and import treatment before dispatch.
How does IOSS work in practice?
For an eligible direct sale, VAT may be collected at checkout and declared through IOSS, with the IOSS number supplied for the import customs declaration. A marketplace may be the deemed supplier in some transactions and may provide its IOSS number or instructions. Do not assume the same treatment applies to every sale: check the consignment value, goods, dispatch location and marketplace terms first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use IOSS for every item I send to the EU?
No. IOSS is intended for certain imported distance sales of low-value goods, generally consignments not exceeding EUR 150. Excise goods and other transaction details can change the position, so check the current EU rules and your tax obligations before relying on IOSS.
Does Starshipit support IOSS for every integrated courier?
No. IOSS support depends on the courier and service. Check Starshipit’s current “Set up shipper tax numbers” support article for the confirmed carrier list, then verify the carrier configuration and destination requirements for your account before dispatch.
Ship smarter and grow faster
Staying IOSS compliant while continuing to get your orders out the door is just another way Starshipit’s automated shipping and fulfilment platform helps you get more done, and deliver better shipping experiences.
If you’d like to keep up to date with newly released feature, or if you’d like to request a new feature, check out our Changelog and Feedback board.
For more helpful tips and tricks check out our Knowledge Base.
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