IOSS Numbers

[coffeebean832]

jasmen@ebay- I'm posting my chat question here for follow up because I'll be able to post follow up questions if needed which I can't do on the locked chat.

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I'm trying to figure out the correct IOSS number we should be using for EU shipments.

On the page where you purchase shipping labels, the customs form has an informational pop-up for AES/ITN/Exemption that says-

This is the information I've been using. However-

On the Order Details page- packages going to countries in the EU show this-

So today I used IM2760000742 instead of NOEEI 30.37(a) on a package to Germany.

NOEEI is an exemption code while the IM number means VAT was paid.

https://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc5_012.htm

eBay does not pre-fill the IOSS number on the customs form and they're showing both numbers to sellers. Which one is correct?

I saw this discussion on the Shipping board that said PostNord in Sweden is not recognizing the IM2760000742 number which may have something to do with PostNord's system and not the IOSS number- there's not that much info available.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping/IOSS-and-double-VAT-taxation/td-p/32158139

Then there was the discussion about how An Post in Ireland is rejecting all packages sent directly with USPS and Royal Mail and citing IOSS information as the reason.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping/Why-was-my-package-rejected-by-Ireland-customs/m-p/32282468

I haven't heard about any issues from my German buyers when I used NOEEI 30.37(a) on their packages- so I'm wondering if it was a mistake to use IM2760000742 on the package today. Which number is correct and why does eBay not pre-fill the correct IOSS number on the customs form?

[jasmen@ebay]

Morning @coffeebean832, I sent the email yesterday to get more details. As soon as I can get anything I'll keep you posted, thanks!!

[coffeebean832]

jasmen@ebay velvet@ebay- It's been a month and this is a simple question. Can you please push for a response on this today? Thank you.

[jasmen@ebay]

Thanks for your patience with this, I did get a response: 

"On any shipments where an IOSS is required our label system will automatically provide the proper number to the relevant customs authority without the need for a member to populate the number.

If a shipment meets the requirements, an IOSS number will not be printed on the label."

I hope that helps clear things up!

[resipsaloquiturgames]

Not everyone uses ebay shipping though...

[toutalatortue]

So another scam to force users to the inefficient and most expensive ebay shipping program ?

[midnight.narcissus]

Where can we find the number if we want to ship via UPS or some external shipping service? Thank you! 

[cd_schwane]

You can find the IOSS number on the order details page after buyer has paid, without having to buy the label from eBay.

[tinabeautystore]

is that number different for each order? 

I don't see it in my international order email

[slippinjimmy]

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@tinabeautystore wrote:

is that number different for each order? 

I don't see it in my international order email

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The IOSS number is the same for all countries within the EU.

The NOEEI 30.37(a) the OP refers to has nothing at all to do with foreign customs, it is a code which exempts a package from US Export reporting and applies to any shipment with a declared value less than $2500.

There have been problems with customs in some Euro countries (notably Ireland and France) where customs are ignoring the IOSS declaration and trying to double dip on VAT.

I have taken to including a packing list on the outside of EU/UK packages with the IOSS and Amount collected highlighted. This seems to help but my EU volume is pretty low these days so I don't have a lot of examples. Using a DDP (Delivered duty paid) service generally eliminates these issues because the entire customs process is done electronically prior to arrive in the destination country.