advertentieContinued growth in revenue and registrations confirms success of reformed EU VAT rules for e-commerce
Recent data from Member States indicates that over €33 billion in VAT revenues were collected in 2024 through the EUs e-commerce VAT systems. This is a clear indication that the 2021 reforms are fulfilling their promise to simplify compliance, support businesses, and ensure fair taxation.
With a single registration in one Member State, the One Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) enable businesses to declare and remit VAT for cross-border sales and low-value goods imports within the EU. Todays figures confirm that businesses are effectively utilizing these simplifications, which reduce red tape and compliance costs while ensuring VAT collection.
In 2024, more than €24 billion was reported via the Union OSS, €2.8 billion via the non-Union OSS, and €6.3 billion through the Import OSS, marking a 26% increase compared to 2023. Since the reforms were introduced in mid-2021, nearly €88 billion in VAT has been collected under the OSS and IOSS schemes.
The number of registered traders is also on the rise. By the end of 2024, over 170,000 businesses were enrolled in the OSS and IOSS frameworks, with an increase of more than 20,000 new registrations in the Union OSS alone over the past year.
These statistics pave the way for further simplifications under the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package and ongoing EU Customs Reform, aimed at enhancing efficiency, fairness, and fraud resistance.
The complete report detailing the 2024 statistics regarding the EUs VAT e-commerce schemes is available here.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Saul Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commission invites feedback on future simplification of environmental legislation
Yesterday, the Commission launched a call for evidence on simplifying environmental legislation by reducing red tape while maintaining the EUs environmental goals.
The forthcoming environmental omnibus proposal will introduce measures to simplify legislation related to the circular economy, industrial emissions, and waste management. This proposal builds on extensive stakeholder engagement. Yesterdays call seeks to identify EU environmental policies that can be simplified for businesses without compromising environmental objectives or human health protection.
All stakeholders are encouraged to participate through the Have Your Say portal. The feedback period for the Call for Evidence is open until September 10, 2025.
Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, stated: “Our goal is to gather insights from stakeholders and citizens on simplifying environmental legislation without compromising high environmental standards. Reducing the administrative burden of environmental laws will enhance their effectiveness and ensure better long-term environmental protection.”
This initiative aligns with key EU initiatives, such as the Competitiveness Compass, and the Commissions 2025 work programme, which aims to cut the administrative burden by at least 25% for all companies and 35% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Compass also calls for accelerated permitting for sectors transitioning to a clean and digital economy.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 229-96302)
Commission approves creation of joint venture by AAS, Sinopec and FPCL
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the establishment of the joint venture Gulei II JV by Aramco Asia Singapore PTE. Ltd. (‘AAS) of Singapore, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (‘Sinopec), and Fujian Petrochemical Company Limited (‘FPCL), both from China.
This transaction primarily concerns the refining and petrochemical sector.
The Commission determined that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns due to its limited impact on the European Economic Area. The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under case number M.11988.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of joint control of AP&L and Lifetri by Achmea and ELG Holding
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Achmea Pensioen- en Levensverzekeringen N.V (‘AP&L) and Lifetri Groep B.V. (‘Lifetri) by Achmea B.V., all based in the Netherlands, and ELG Holding Limited (‘ELG Holding) from the Cayman Islands, controlled by Sixth Street Partners, LLC from the US.
This transaction mainly pertains to the pension and life insurance sector.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies limited market positions as a result of the proposed transaction. It was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under case number M.11894.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
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Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases