Are IOSS numbers mandatory?

[mozartbach1971]

I recently received a message from Ebay about IOSS numbers.  I included the message below.  It looks like it says they are mandatory, this is the first time I've heard anything from Ebay about this, I've always shipped items without putting this number when shipping.  I just  sent a package to Europe around a couple days before I received this message.  Could I be liable for the customs charges if the buyer opens a complaint? 

Message:  This is a reminder about the importance of providing eBay’s IOSS numbers for shipments into the EU in cases where eBay has collected VAT. We have identified that in at least one of your transactions eBay’s IOSS number was not provided correctly to your carrier, and your buyers may have had to pay VAT again on delivery.
eBay collects VAT from buyers on shipments into the EU with a consignment value up to EUR 150, when the goods are shipped from outside of the EU, and the transaction concludes on eBay. For these shipments you must electronically provide eBay’s IOSS number to your carrier. Please find below some tips as well as answers to the most common questions.

Where to find eBay’s IOSS number?
eBay’s IOSS number is always shared in your order details, in APIs as well as in the Orders Download Report. The number is the same for all transactions and should be used only for shipments through eBay.

How do I pass eBay’s IOSS number to my carrier?
When you provide the electronic customs declaration with your carrier there will be a field to enter the eBay IOSS number and declare as VAT collected. Please contact your carrier for more information.

What happens if it’s not provided at all/ not provided correctly?
Your buyers may have to pay VAT on delivery which may lead to buyer friction. Most buyers are opening claims in these cases.

Is it sufficient to print eBay’s IOSS number on the shipping labels?
NO - carriers will only pass the IOSS if it is submitted in the electronic customs declaration. If it is printed on the shipping label the carriers will not pass the data. If you’re using the eBay label platform, eBay’s IOSS number will be automatically shared with carriers. Please contact your carrier to understand what information they require.

What can I do if my carrier is still not ready?
We recommend you to use eBay’s GSP to ensure a seamless buyer experience whilst you and your carrier update the systems.

Important Links:
Learn where to find eBay’s IOSS number in APIs: https://developer.ebay.com/
Learn about EU VAT changes: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling/vat-obligations-uk-eu?id=4650
Watch our Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-LkOcA93pw

Sincerely yours,
Your eBay Team

[ltldpr]

What does IOSS stand for?

What does GSP stand for?

They're both in the message sent from eBay in the original post (OP).  I checked the API link and that did not help. I don't even remember what API stands for but I know it has to do with programing and computers. 

Hey, eBay, what ever happened to the rule from grade school that says you should always define all acronyms the first time they are used in a document? 

[coolvibez]

There's no such rule.

You are connected to the internet, so use google when you don't understand, like everyone else. No one can know what information another person lacks.

IOSS in short is EUs attempt at destroying the postal service for direct trade in order to herd buyers to local businesses instead of online.

You need to enter the IOSS number correctly with the carrier to avoid costly and time consuming returns. And it seems that even doing so also often leads to returns.

EU is blaming "adjustment to new rules" which is of course just what they wanted all along. Local importers welcome the disruptions, the carriers are able to tack on a fee that dwarfs the shipping costs.

Everyone is happy, except the sellers and buyers.

GSP is ebays Global Shipping Program and tries to simplify some of the more complex aspects of shipping goods. But it can only do so much.

[stephenmorgan]

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@ltldpr wrote:

Hey, eBay, what ever happened to the rule from grade school that says you should always define all acronyms the first time they are used in a document? 

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I think that went away to make room for defining all numbers with Core Math.

• Landmark Numbers
• Friendly Numbers
• Making 10s
• Decomposing

[stephenmorgan]

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@ltldpr wrote:

What does IOSS stand for?

What does GSP stand for?

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Import One Stop Ship

• The Import One Stop Ship (IOSS) is an electronic system designed to improve the process in which VAT is paid on goods being sold to the EU. As of July 1st 2021, all goods sold to the EU are subject to VAT, and all consignments up to a value of 150 EUROS can be processed through the IOSS.

https://www.avalara.com/blog/en/north-america/2021/06/what-us-sellers-need-to-know-about-eu-ioss-int...

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/trade-agreements/special-trade-legislation/generalized-sys...

GSP is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program that provides nonreciprocal, duty-free treatment enabling many of the world’s developing countries to spur diversity and economic growth through trade.  Economic development is promoted by eliminating duties on thousands of products when imported from designated beneficiary countries and territories.  Authorized by the Trade Act of 1974 and implemented on January 1, 1976, GSP is a preferential trade legislation that is subject to Congressional re-authorization.

[ltldpr]

Thank you!

[ltldpr]

And thank you again!

[stephenmorgan]

I may have gave you the wrong definition of the acronym GPS because as someone else pointed out GPS may stand for eBay's Global Shipping Program.  This is why it is important as you mentioned "you should always define all acronyms the first time they are used in a document", there could be more than one meaning.  

[ltldpr]

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@coolvibez wrote:

There's no such rule.

You are connected to the internet, so use google when you don't understand, like everyone else. No one can know what information another person lacks.

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Actually, there is such a rule, and I was taught the rule in school. 

I took your ever so polite suggestion, though; and find the last sentence a bit ironic too considering that you didn't know the rule.

"Introduce every acronym before using it in the text. The first time you use the term, put the acronym in parentheses after the full term. Thereafter, you can stick to using the acronym.

Note that when introducing an acronym, the full term should only be capitalized if it is a proper noun (e.g. the name of an organization)."

Found it here: https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/abbreviations-and-acronyms/#:~:text=The%20first%20time%20yo...

[ltldpr]

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@stephenmorgan wrote:

I may have gave you the wrong definition of the acronym GPS because as someone else pointed out GPS may stand for eBay's Global Shipping Program.  This is why it is important as you mentioned "you should always define all acronyms the first time they are used in a document", there could be more than one meaning.  

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Exactly, and if it's just an acronym  or abbreviation specific to eBay, using Google isn't going to be much help. 

Thanks for not being rude about helping me too!

[coolvibez]

That's for academic papers that need to be complete and consistent over decades.