Customs & Taxes
Customs clearance, brokers, IOSS, EORI and EU shipping surcharges.
A licensed customs broker is required for formal entries on shipments valued over $2,500, and for any controlled goods. Brokers file entry documents with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), confirm HTS codes, calculate duties including Section 301 tariffs, and clear cargo. They help prevent costly delays, penalties, and demurrage.
IOSS is an EU VAT scheme that lets sellers collect VAT at checkout on B2C goods valued at €150 or less imported into the EU. One IOSS registration covers all 27 EU member states, speeds customs clearance, and means customers face no surprise import charges on delivery. Non-EU sellers must appoint an EU intermediary.
No, IOSS is voluntary. Without it, you can still ship under DAP or DDP Incoterms, where VAT is collected from the customer at import or paid by you in advance. IOSS only applies to consignments of €150 or less; higher-value shipments must use DAP or DDP and may incur duties.
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a unique ID required for businesses importing or exporting goods into or out of the EU. It lets customs authorities track your trade activity across EU countries and is a legal requirement for clearing shipments through EU customs.
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requires ocean carriers to buy allowances for CO2 emissions on voyages to, from, and within the EU. Carriers pass this on to shippers as a per-container surcharge that varies by carrier and lane and is reassessed quarterly. From January 1, 2026 the EU ETS reaches 100% emissions coverage.