How to Export from the U.S. to the EU: Overcoming Customs, VAT and Compliance Hurdles [Webinar Recap]

Exporting goods from the United States to the European Union can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork, tax regulations and legal ambiguity. That was the key theme of our recent webinar, How to Export from the U.S. to the EU, featuring international trade expert Alessio Lencioni of VATIT Stream. He walked attendees through the challenges U.S. exporters face when entering the European market and, more importantly, how to overcome them without unnecessary complexity or cost.

One of the biggest takeaways? You don’t need to establish a business entity in Europe to start exporting there. There are smarter ways to handle VAT, customs clearance and compliance that save time and money.

During the webinar, we also introduced an export support service developed in partnership with VATIT Stream. Designed to simplify the complexities of European trade, GLOBAL GATEWAY helps U.S. exporters manage compliance, reclaim VAT and move goods efficiently

Keep reading for highlights from the webinar, or watch the full recording here:

• Free Webinar: How to Export from the U.S. to the EU

Why Exporting to the EU Can Be Challenging

If you’re comfortable shipping domestically or to Canada or Mexico, the EU can seem daunting by comparison. Challenges include:

• Multiple countries and customs agencies
• Language barriers
• Strict documentation requirements
• Unfamiliar tax rules, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT)

Many companies simply opt out of selling into the EU market, but as Alessio made clear: the EU is too big and too lucrative a market to ignore.

Top Compliance Challenges for U.S. Exporters to the EU

1. Customs Documentation and Clearance

• EU customs demand precise commercial invoices, packing lists, and HS codes.
• U.S.-style documentation often doesn’t meet EU standards.
• Mistakes can cause delays, inspections or even returned shipments.

2. VAT Complexity

• Import VAT is applied to all goods entering the EU.
• If you’re not registered properly, you can’t reclaim it.
• That leads to double taxation and margin loss.

3. Importer of Record (IOR) Confusion

• EU customers are often unwilling to be the IOR.
• Hiring an IOR service is expensive and not scalable.
• If no one takes responsibility, your shipment gets stuck.

4. Setting Up a Local EU Entity (Unnecessarily)

• Many U.S. companies try to fix these issues by creating a European company.
• This creates legal obligations (audits, tax filings) and “permanent establishment risk.”
• Most of the time, it’s completely avoidable.

5. Returns and Repairs

• Sending goods back from the EU to the U.S. can trigger new customs duties and taxes.
• Without a solid system, this becomes a costly headache.

How to Successfully Export from the U.S. to the EU

Let’s look at a real-world example shared during the webinar:

Case Study: ABC Limited

A U.S. manufacturer of industrial components had long avoided the EU market due to administrative red tape. But when they landed a major German client, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

Instead of setting up a German entity (too costly and complex), ABC used GLOBAL GATEWAY to:

1. Register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI, often referred to as an EU Importer’s Code):  This functions like a passport for their business, allowing them to move goods through EU customs.
2. Appoint a Fiscal Representative in the Netherlands: Their representative acted as a local tax partner, handling compliance and communication with EU tax authorities.
3. Get a Dutch VAT Registration: With this, ABC could reclaim import VAT and invoice like a local EU company.
4. Use a Logistics Hub in the Netherlands: The Netherlands offered strong customs infrastructure and favorable VAT deferment programs.
5. Defer VAT at Customs Clearance: Through the Dutch VAT deferment program, ABC avoided paying VAT upfront, improving their cash flow.
6. File Quarterly VAT Returns: Their fiscal representative ensured timely and accurate filings so ABC could fully recover VAT.
7. Move Goods Freely Within the EU: Once goods cleared Dutch customs, ABC shipped them to Germany without any additional customs requirements under intra-EU movement rules.
8. Prepare for Future Expansion: This structure allowed ABC to scale easily into other EU countries without needing multiple entities.

A Simple, Scalable Approach to EU Exports 

The EU isn’t as intimidating as it seems—especially with the right partners and processes. GLOBAL GATEWAY by Shipping Solutions is your all-in-one export management service, combining expert compliance support with deeply discounted international shipping rates.

Whether you're managing VAT in Europe, GST in Canada, or customs declarations anywhere else, GLOBAL GATEWAY helps you:

• Create accurate export documents with ease
• Stay compliant with export regulations and restricted party screening
• Classify your products correctly with expert HS code guidance
• Manage VAT, GST and other international tax documentation
• Ship with FedEx or DHL at competitive rates—no volume required
• Get end-to-end support from real people who know your business

Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on growing your exports. Schedule a free consultation here. 

Where to Learn More

• Watch the full webinar recording: How to Export from the U.S. to the EU
• Learn more about GLOBAL GATEWAY
• Free Export Form Templates
• Free guide: The Beginner's Guide to Export Forms

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