Q: How does the IOSS number affect Estonian companies?

Simplified operations. An IOSS number (Import One-Stop Shop) helps Estonian e-commerce businesses simplify VAT reporting when selling low-value goods to EU customers. Instead of managing VAT registrations and declarations across multiple countries, IOSS allows you to report and pay VAT through a single monthly return in a single EU Member State. This reduces administrative workload, improves customer delivery experience, and helps avoid VAT issues such as double taxation or unexpected import charges. It is especially relevant for online stores shipping goods from outside the EU to EU consumers.

Question 1

What is the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS)?

John Doe · Accepted Answer

The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU-wide electronic system.

The IOSS platform enables suppliers and electronic interfaces that sell imported goods to buyers in the EU to collect, declare, and pay VAT to the relevant tax authorities. This eliminates the need for buyers to pay VAT when goods are imported into the EU, which was previously required for goods valued at over EUR 22.

Launched to simplify VAT compliance for businesses involved in distance sales of imported goods to EU consumers.

Through the IOSS, sellers and online marketplaces can collect, declare, and pay VAT for goods imported into the EU—directly to the relevant tax authorities—at the point of sale. This eliminates the prior requirement that buyers pay VAT upon importation.

Benefits for sellers:

Centralised VAT registration for all EU countries.
Simplified VAT reporting and payment.
Improved customer experience by avoiding customs delays and unexpected charges.

Benefits for buyers:

VAT is included upfront in the purchase price.
No hidden fees or customs handling charges at delivery.
Faster and smoother shipping process.

If a seller is not registered with IOSS, the buyer must pay VAT upon delivery and may also incur customs clearance fees charged by the courier or postal service.

The IOSS number is applied for through the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.

Question 2

What ID cards can be used?

John Doe · Accepted Answer

Identification methods.

The following forms of electronic identification are accepted for digital signing and access to Estonian e-services:

Estonian ID card
Estonian e-Residency card
Estonian Smart-ID
Estonian Mobile-ID

For the most up-to-date list and technical requirements, visit www.id.ee.
Please note that accepted identification methods may change over time, so it's important to stay informed of any updates.

Additional info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPIxhFZcP_Y&t=18s

Question 3

How does the IOSS number affect Estonian companies?

John Doe · Accepted Answer

Simplified operations.

An IOSS number (Import One-Stop Shop) helps Estonian e-commerce businesses simplify VAT reporting when selling low-value goods to EU customers. Instead of managing VAT registrations and declarations across multiple countries, IOSS allows you to report and pay VAT through a single monthly return in a single EU Member State.

This reduces administrative workload, improves customer delivery experience, and helps avoid VAT issues such as double taxation or unexpected import charges. It is especially relevant for online stores shipping goods from outside the EU to EU consumers.