IOSS: 5 Myths on Post-Brexit Trade with the EU
Is your business one of the 47% of UK businesses whose sales and revenue have been impacted due to reduced or complete halt to trading with the EU?
Despite the EU being the biggest trading partner for the UK, the value of UK goods exported to the EU fell by 45% between December 2020 and January 2021. For many eCommerce retailers, the introduction of new customs rules, VAT obligations and carrier complexity created more barriers than anticipated.
But here is the reality: many of those barriers are built on myth rather than fact.
GFS has partnered with SimplyVAT to debunk some of the biggest myths and misconceptions that are standing in the way of qualified businesses rebooting sales with the EU and widening their market share.
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What Is IOSS and Why Does It Matter?
The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU VAT simplification scheme introduced in July 2021, designed to make cross-border eCommerce easier and more transparent for both retailers and consumers. Under IOSS, UK businesses selling goods valued under €150 to EU consumers can register once and account for VAT across all 27 EU member states through a single return.
For UK eCommerce businesses, IOSS removes one of the most significant practical barriers to EU selling: unexpected VAT charges landing with customers at the door. By collecting VAT at checkout and remitting it centrally, IOSS creates a smoother, more trustworthy experience for EU buyers and reduces the risk of refused deliveries and failed transactions.
The 5 Common Myths – Debunked
Many UK retailers have been put off EU selling based on outdated advice, worst-case planning or second-hand information. GFS and SimplyVAT address the most persistent misconceptions head-on, covering everything from the complexity of IOSS registration and ongoing compliance, to the real cost of selling cross-border and the operational impact on your carrier and despatch processes.
Understanding the truth behind these myths could mean the difference between missing out on a market of over 450 million consumers and building a genuinely profitable international revenue stream.
How GFS Supports EU Delivery Post-Brexit
GFS is the UK’s leading Managed Multi-Carrier delivery specialist. Through our carrier network and technology platform, we help eCommerce businesses manage cross-border despatch with confidence — ensuring the right carrier, correct customs documentation and a compliant, customer-first delivery experience every time.
Whether you are already selling into the EU or considering re-entering the market, GFS can help you navigate the post-Brexit landscape with the right tools, the right carriers and the right expertise.
Watch the video to find out which myths are holding your business back, and what you can do about it.
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