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Navigating the Eu VAt maze

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Expanding into Europe takes more than just finding the right warehouse partner. New regulations, unfamiliar tax rules, country-to-country differences, and a maze of VAT obligations often make the EU seem like a place where it’s easy to get things wrong and expensive if you do. It’s no surprise many US brands hesitate or “dread” the idea of expanding across the Atlantic.

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Yes, VAT is a big deal in Europe. Unlike duties (and tariffs) which are uniform across the EU, VAT rates vary by country, and rates are high, ranging from 17% to 27% (with an average of 20%–23%). And while new EU reforms have simplified some parts of registration, they don’t eliminate core VAT obligations. And then there is the challenge of staying compliant across 27 member states.

 

The good news is that entering Europe doesn’t have to be difficult or risky.

 

Using a Fiscal Representative, U.S. companies can operate across the EU using a single, standardized VAT process without fronting any import VAT. If set up correctly from the start, you can avoid all the hassle, and run your European operations with confidence.

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Bringing in Fix Logistix

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With offices in both the US and the Netherlands, Fix Logistix can help get this done.

 

By combining hands-on EU logistics experience with deep expertise in VAT registration, fiscal representation, bonded warehousing, and customs processes, we help US companies operate as if they were a local EU entity, without unnecessary registrations, delays, penalties, or working-capital pressure.

 

Whether you’re building a European fulfillment network, expanding cross-border ecommerce, or redesigning your EU supply chain, FixLogistix is your one-stop partner for VAT, compliance, and logistics execution.

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Typical Areas of engagement

 

VAT Registration & Fiscal Representation

Establish a non-resident EU entity, obtain an EU VAT number, and leverage FixLogistix to set up fiscal representation enabling EU trade, storage, and distribution with the benefits of a local company.

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VAT Deferment (Article 23 – The Netherlands)

Improve cash flow by eliminating upfront VAT payments at import. Through Article 23 VAT deferment, import VAT is deferred and settled via your VAT return. VAT is reported, not paid. Critical for high-volume importers or fats moving eCommerce brands.

 

A single hub for all of Europe VAT management

Store goods once and ship anywhere in Europe, supporting distributors, retailers, marketplaces, and DTC ecommerce without needing a local legal entity.

 

Straightforward Compliance

Have your VAT returns, Intrastat, import documents, and communication with Dutch tax authorities all handled professionally and connect the dots between your broker, freight forwarder, and 3PL so your operation stays compliant and avoids costly mistakes.

 

Bonded Warehousing

Store goods in EU bonded warehousing postpone duty payments, optimize landed cost, and support multi-country distribution models. Ideal for ecommerce brands, 3PLs, and US companies shipping into multiple EU Member States.

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Eager to get going?

 

In most cases, it is relatively easy to get this organized. We would start off with an introductory alignment and initial discovery session to clarify objectives, align expectations, define scope, and understand the (available) data environment. We then share initial findings and recommended next steps.

 

Our outsourcing projects in the EU follow pretty much the methodology as our Stateside projects. <<Link to outsourcing>>.

 

Setting up the fiscal representation is agnostic to the final 3PL choice. The process itself takes about 8-10 Weeks and we can run it in parallel to the 3PL selection process.

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