IOSS information required for UK or EU shipments from Canada (not using eBay's shipping program)

[jcinto]

Hi everyone, I am scratching my head about how to use IOSS for shipping eBay items...

eBay informed me this week that I need to add IOSS information to the shipping information I provide to my courier for each UK/EU shipment. 

The next day, as it happens, I sold an item to a UK customer. This info appeared under Shipping in the Order Details: GB 365 6085 76 Code:Paid. The pop-up explained: "Please ensure that you share eBay’s IOSS number electronically with your carrier for your shipment to the EU." However, when I went to create a new tax identifier in my account at the courier, it quickly error-messaged me that an IOSS number always starts with IM followed by 10 numbers. I called eBay for clarification and they stood behind the info they'd provided in the order details. To make it even more confusing, they informed me that the IOSS details they provide are different for each transaction. (Which contradicts what their e-mail had said.)  Disappointingly, they didn't seem able to explain the discrepancy or suggest a course of action.

I would really appreciate any insights from fellow UK/EU shippers who use a shipper other than eBay itself. (I did read some earlier threads which referred to variance in the way EU members handle IOSS, as well as one eBay staffer reply assuring eBayers that IOSS info was being provided directly to shippers.)

Cheers, Jcinto

[recped]

The IOSS number should be included in the shipping / customs label.

You didn't mention which alternative shipper you are using, since you in London ON I'll guess that it's either Stallion or ChitChats. For both of these when you complete the online maniferst there is a field to enter the IOSS information.

The IOSS information is provided by eBay for every Overseas shipment where it applies (EU & UK), you can see it on the Order Details page. The format is IM2760000742, the number never changes (different systems/codes apply for shipments to Australia, Singapore & Norway).

I highly recommend that you include a packing slip on the OUTSIDE of any package involving prepaid VAT (on every Overseas package is a good plan regardless if eBay has collected VAT).

[jcinto]

Hi recped, thanks for your swift, helpful reply, including tip re packing slip. IOSS # noted! Yes, I ship with Stallion which does have a field for IOSS.

Weird thing is that the number you provided doesn't appear to be among my order details for the recent UK sale. Attached is from Order Details.

What am I missing in seeing the IOSS # on this order form?

Thanks again.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@jcinto wrote:

Hi recped, thanks for your swift, helpful reply, including tip re packing slip. IOSS # noted! Yes, I ship with Stallion which does have a field for IOSS.

Weird thing is that the number you provided doesn't appear to be among my order details for the recent UK sale. Attached is from Order Details.

What am I missing in seeing the IOSS # on this order form?

Thanks again.

---

@jcinto 

For your recent order to UK what was the order value? I've seen happen a few times on low value orders. 1 to UK and another to Australia. This is a possible reason. Under the limit, no VAT collected.

[recped]

It's right there in your screenshot, for the UK the code is GB instead of IM which is for the EU but they are both known as IOSS.

[38e_avenue]

This is my UK shipment from today. 

[38e_avenue]

And here a bonus - today's Australia. 

Last years I got a few unexplained returns from Europe. 

Since, I decided to put all tax info and bills outside.