The EU E-Commerce VAT Package: Lessons Learned Two Months On

This blog was last updated on December 18, 2021

On 1 July 2021 the EU E-Commerce VAT Package was introduced. The package replaced existing distance-selling rules and extended the Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) into a wider-ranging One Stop Shop (OSS).

The implementation of the EU E-Commerce VAT Package was designed to simplify the VAT reporting requirements for sellers and improve the tax take for Member States.

Two months in: we take a look at how it’s going.

Delays and teething problems

There were unfortunately some initial delays and teething problems when the EU E-Commerce VAT Package was introduced, which is to be expected with the adoption of such a significant new system, but as with any new scheme these can be resolved over time.

Some examples include:

• Netherlands system issues: The introduction of the system in the Netherlands appeared to cause an IT glitch whereby Article 23 licenses to defer import VAT were not recognised. As a result, importers were asked to pay VAT at the border. This caused delays in imports and onward delivery at the beginning of July. Once the Dutch tax authority became aware of this issue it implemented a temporary fix and the issue is now resolved.
• Inconsistencies in data submission: There are inconsistencies in how taxpayers must communicate data to the relevant tax authority. The EU proposal foresaw a portal where all transactions could be uploaded, but this hasn’t materialised yet.
• Varying file format requirements: Some Member States require data to be submitted in a .csv file whilst others ask for submissions in a .txt file. The Netherlands requires taxpayers to key data directly onto its website.
• Data issues: There have been issues around receiving data and Sweden was briefly unable to receive data but this was quickly resolved (in less than a week).
• IOSS processing errors: Some freight forwarders used the shipment date and not the payment date resulting in some consignments that didn’t qualify for IOSS to be processed under IOSS. This will lead to an underpayment of VAT and it will be necessary to reconcile the data.
• Intrastat reporting: There is currently no mention in either the Directive or the explanatory notes of how Intrastat should be reported.

Issues with the import of goods

There are also issues associated with the import of the goods.

Some Member States disallow the import of certain categories of goods due to local restrictions e.g. foodstuffs, plants etc.

It’s sometimes unclear if freight forwarders have used IOSS or not and this could lead to repeated errors of underpayment or overpayment of VAT.

Some non-EU vendors are trying to avoid an IOSS registration by stating that the customer is the importer of record. Such practice happened before the introduction of IOSS but not always at the same level as it is now – and was not always spotted or queried.

However, since the introduction of the IOSS, some tax authorities, including Germany, are questioning such an approach on the grounds that the carrier who imports the goods is acting for the non-EU vendor and is not known by the buyer.

This means import VAT is due by the vendor who must then also charge German VAT. For cases that have already occurred there may be an issue with recovery of the import VAT, as the evidence required to support the deduction will have been issued in the wrong name (consumer).

It’s still early days for the EU VAT E-Commerce Package and initial teething problems are to be expected. One thing is certain, navigating these new VAT schemes is complex. Sovos is here to help and we’ll keep you updated on the latest regulatory changes.

Want to know more about simplifying EU VAT with IOSS?

Join our latest webinar on September 22, 2021 to learn how you can use the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) to simplify your EU VAT compliance and unlock the full potential of the EU e-commerce market.