EORI number

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 at the moment the goods are imported into the EU, which was previously required for goods valued over 22 EUR.

Launched on 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 previous requirement for buyers to pay VAT upon importation (which applied to goods valued over €22).

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 the IOSS, the buyer must pay VAT upon delivery, and may also face customs clearance fees from the courier or postal service.

The Economic Operators Registration and Identification System, commonly referred to as EORI, is a registration system that is mandatory for companies engaged in importing or exporting goods from or to non-EU countries within the EU.

The EORI code is specific to the country where the company is established and is required for customs clearance procedures.

For instance, if an Estonian company imports goods directly to Germany, it is still required to obtain an EORI number in Estonia, as this is where the company is registered. This ensures compliance with the EU’s customs regulations and facilitates the efficient movement of goods across borders.

The validity or invalidity of an EORI number can be checked by visiting the “Confirmation of EORI Number“.

In cases where the concerned person has authorized the disclosure of their information, it is possible to conduct a search for the name and address of the company or individual associated with that EORI number.

Identification methods.

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

• Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Belgian ID cards

• Estonian e-Residency cards

• Estonian Smart-ID

• Estonian and Lithuanian 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:

An authorisation sets the limits for a representative’s actions.

An authorisation is a defined set of rights that determines the scope within which a representative may legally act on behalf of the principal. It outlines what actions the representative is permitted to take and under what conditions, ensuring legal clarity and accountability for both parties.

It is essential for the Estonian Tax and Customs Board that the content of authorization would be understandable and the person granting the authorization and the authorized person would be identifiable.

The main and also the most convenient and practical way to transfer the right of representation is to do it through a suitable digital identification channel. These are Mobile ID, Estonian ID, e-resident ID, and Smart ID. European Union country ID cards are also suitable. It is important to have the right to log in to the systems of the Estonian state.

If necessary, other less convenient and more expensive methods can also be used: power of attorney, lawyer’s client agreement, etc.

Additional info: