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Proposal to simplify VAT rules for e-commerce (imports)

Briefing 23-07-2024

The rise of e-commerce has required changes to the system of value-added tax (VAT) to ensure that the rules allow for smooth and fraud-proof transactions between customers and sellers. The major overhaul of the VAT rules for e-commerce in 2021 introduced a series of important simplifications for businesses, such as the creation of an import one-stop shop (IOSS). The IOSS allows businesses to declare and remit VAT on all their business-to-consumer (B2C) distance sales of imported goods across the EU (i.e. goods bought online and dispatched/transported from a third country to a customer in the EU) through one single VAT return, rather than in each country where they make a sale. However, at the moment, the IOSS operates with a threshold, whereby the distance-selling of imported goods with a value above €150 cannot be declared in the IOSS. Having assessed that the €150 threshold constitutes a burden to businesses, the Commission proposed on 17 May 2023 to further expand the IOSS by removing the threshold entirely. This change would open the use of the IOSS to a wider range of businesses, which would benefit from lower compliance costs. The proposal is subject to a special legislative procedure, requiring unanimous support in the Council, following consultation of the European ºÏ·¨²©²ÊÍøÕ¾ and the European Economic and Social Committee. Negotiations in the Council are on-going. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.