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Modernising VAT for cross-border e-commerce

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Wednesday, 30 September 2020

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On 30 September 2020, the Commission published Explanatory Notes on the new VAT e-commerce rules. They contain extensive explanations and clarifications on these new rules including practical examples on how to apply the rules if you are a supplier or an electronic interface (e.g. marketplace, platform) involved in e-commerce transactions. These explanatory notes are meant to help online businesses and in particular SMEs to understand their VAT obligations arising from cross-border supplies to consumers in the EU.

The Explanatory Notes will be accompanied by the update of the Guide to the One Stop Shop and by guidance in the customs field.

On 5 December 2017, the Council adopted the VAT e-commerce package consisting of:

On 21 November 2019, the Council adopted the implementing measures for VAT e-commerce package consisting of:

On 12 February 2020, the Commission adopted the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/194 laying down details on the working of the VAT One Stop Shop.

Due to the practical difficulties created by the measures taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the following acts were adopted postponing the application of the VAT e-commerce package to 1 July 2021.

More info abot the e-commerce package can be found at the Commission site.