Test or scale sales into Europe before committing to a local entity. A Traders provides the legal and compliance layer — import, VAT handling, and customs — that lets you sell to European customers as if you were established here, without the time or cost of incorporating.

Who this is for: Non-EU companies exploring the European market who want to validate demand before investing in a Dutch BV, local staff, or a fiscal representative of their own.

How it works

  1. Free eligibility check. We map out exactly which registrations (EORI, VAT, IOR) your specific product and sales model require.
  2. We act as your EU compliance layer. Imports, VAT handling, and customs run through our registrations — you don’t file anything locally yourself.
  3. You sell, we handle the paperwork. Your customers receive goods on time; you receive clean invoicing.
  4. Scale when ready. If volume grows, we help you transition smoothly into your own Dutch entity when it makes sense — not before.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to sell in the EU without a local company?
Yes, provided a compliant party — such as an Importer of Record — handles the customs and VAT obligations on your behalf.

How long can I operate this way before I need my own entity?
There’s no fixed limit — many companies use this structure indefinitely, and only incorporate once local volume or staffing needs justify it.

What happens to VAT if I don’t have a Dutch VAT number?
A Traders’ VAT registration is used for the import and initial sale, so you don’t need your own Dutch VAT number to get started.

Note: selling into the EU this way can also bring PPWR/EPR packaging obligations, separate from VAT and customs. See our PPWR & EPR overview or mention it in your free review request.

Find out what setup fits your business. Get a free review of your needs →