How to Input VAT/IOSS Numbers Into Customs Forms

Starting July 1, 2021, all commercial goods destined for the European Union (EU) are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). This applies to deliveries of any value, including those below 22 euros (estimated $26).  To help online retailers manage this tax collecting process, the EU member countries created the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS), an electronic portal for online retailers to comply with the new VAT rules.  After registering for an IOSS  account, you will receive an IOSS tax identification number which should be inputted on all Customs Forms for your packages.

First 90 Days – How is the IOSS Working?
Stamps.com Customer Care has been monitoring the deliveries to the EU very closely since July 1, 2021.  Overall, most packages have included the new IOSS information and packages are being delivered.   We have discovered some shippers are inputting VAT/IOSS information incorrectly in the Stamps.com software interface, which is creating unnecessary duty and tax bills for shipments. 

Customer Care has also noticed many shippers are NOT inputting IOSS numbers on low value orders, which is now required.  This action pushes the responsibility of delivery fees, duties and taxes to the package recipient.  If the recipient does not want to pay these extra charges, the package will be returned to sender.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INPUTTING VAT/IOSS NUMBERS INTO CUSTOMS FORMS USING STAMPS.COM

Stamps.com Software

1) From the “International” tab, input the delivery address and package details.
2) In the “Customs” section, please click on the “Edit Form”.
3) Input your IOSS tax identification number in the designated field.  Finish by clicking “Add Item” (on far right side) and then “OK”

Stamps.com Website

#1 Input the international delivery address and select the carrier info for the label.
#2 In the “Contents” section, click on “Customs Form” button.
#3 Input your IOSS tax identification number in the designated field. Finish inputting the item description and click “Add item”.

Important information to remember:

• For orders being delivered to the United Kingdom, “IOSS #” field will be labeled “VAT #” in the Customs Form.
• If you are selling through a marketplace, such as eBay or Amazon, be sure to include that marketplace’s IOSS number in the Customs Form. If you do not, the receiving EU country will assume VAT has not been collected.

Learn more about the European VAT requirements that started July 1, 2021.

Don’t worry about IMI compliance with Stamps.com. Learn more

Summary How to Input VAT / IOSS Numbers Into Customs Forms (Step‑by‑Step)

Starting July 1, 2021, EU commercial goods shipments require VAT or IOSS numbers entered in customs forms. Here’s how to input them correctly using Stamps.com.

Step 1: Go to the International tab

Select the “International” section in the Stamps.com application or on the website. Input delivery address and package details.

Step 2: Navigate to the Customs section and click “Edit Form”

Within the shipping setup, locate the “Customs” section. Click the “Edit Form” option to open customs field editing.

Step 3: Enter your VAT / IOSS number

In the designated customs field, input your IOSS tax identification number. On the website version, do this under “Customs Form” in the “Contents” section.

Step 4: Add item and complete form

After entering the VAT/IOSS number, continue to fill in item descriptions and click “Add Item.” Then finalize by clicking “OK” (software) or completing the form on the website.

Step 5: Use “VAT #” label for UK shipments

For orders destined for the UK, the customs form field labeled “VAT #” is equivalent to IOSS in Europe — input your number there.

Frequently Asked Questions