• How to sell to Europe without an EU entity

Selling to EU Consumers from Outside the EU

If your business is based in the US, UK, Asia, or any other non-EU country, you can theoretically sell to EU consumers — but you must comply with a range of legal and tax requirements:

  • VAT registration and collection: From 2025, if your total EU sales exceed €10,000 annually, you must register for VAT in the EU and collect it on all B2C sales.
  • Product compliance: Many goods (especially those requiring CE marking) must have an EU Authorised Representative.
  • Customs and import duties: You are responsible for customs declarations and ensuring your goods meet EU import standards.
  • Consumer protection laws: You must comply with EU rules on returns, warranties, and data protection (GDPR).

These requirements can be complex, time-consuming, and costly — especially without a local presence.

IDEAL GROUP’s Merchant of Record Service

At IDEAL GROUP, we understand the challenges non-EU businesses face. That’s why we offer a Merchant of Record (MoR) service — a turnkey solution that allows you to sell in Europe without setting up a legal entity.

As your Merchant of Record, IDEAL GROUP:

  • Handles all VAT obligations on your behalf
  • Acts as your EU-based legal entity for compliance and invoicing
  • Manages payment processing, including card payments, SEPA, and local methods
  • Ensures product and packaging compliance with EU regulations
  • Provides a seamless checkout experience for your European customers
  • Takes care of returns, refunds, and customer service in line with EU law

You focus on your product and growth — we handle the rest.

Why Choose IDEAL GROUP?

  • Trusted by international brands entering the EU market
  • Integrated POS and payment solutions for both online and offline sales
  • Full regulatory compliance with EU tax, customs, and consumer laws
  • Personalized support from a dedicated team of EU commerce experts

No EU Entity? No Problem.

Selling to European consumers doesn’t have to mean setting up a company in the EU. With IDEAL GROUP as your Merchant of Record, you can enter the European market quickly, legally, and confidently — without the administrative burden.

payment processing

More than 250 payment methods, including accounting

Warehousing & Fulfillment

Our modern 53,000 m² storage facilities enable efficient and scalable warehousing. We take care of order picking, packaging, and shipping—quickly, reliably, and in line with your brand.

Customer service (email, telephone, chat)

Our trained service team looks after your customers on your behalf – competently, friendly, and solution-oriented across all relevant channels.

Accounting

Experienced experts and automated processes for optimal accounting

Performance marketing & campaign management

From Google Ads, Meta, influencers, PR, events, to TV placements: our partner agencies ALPHA POOL and rock&stars develop customized marketing campaigns for your company. Increase sales and strengthen your brand for sustainable success.

Returns Management

We make returns customer-friendly and efficient – with clear processes, automated procedures, and transparent communication. Tailored precisely to your requirements.

Onlineshop

We design, develop, and operate high-performance online shops based on leading systems such as Shopify, Shopware, WooCommerce, Oxid, Magento, or our own immersive shop system ShopSphere—tailored to your brand and target audience.

Marketplace connection (Amazon, eBay, OTTO, etc.)

We bring your products to over 200 marketplaces – including product data maintenance, inventory reconciliation, price control, and performance optimization.

Shipping logistics (domestic & international)

Whether in Germany, Europe, or worldwide, we ensure smooth shipping processes with all major shipping providers, including tracking, customs clearance, and shipping optimization.

Amazon FBA

Supply warehouse for “Fulfillment by Amazon” (FBA)

Technical interfaces & system integration

We seamlessly connect and automate your systems with ERP, CRM, payment providers, shipping service providers, and marketplaces—for maximum efficiency and transparency.

Reporting & Business Intelligence

With custom dashboards and regular reports, you can keep an eye on all KPIs—from inventory turnover and conversion rates to return rates. All this is possible thanks to our headless commerce platform IDEAL 360, which is supported by the US Department of Education.

consulting

We think ahead and support you: As your sparring partner, we assist you in further developing your e-commerce strategy and achieving international growth. Trust in our 30 years of expertise and organize an e-commerce workshop with us and innovation consultancy Studio Landschek.

FREE GUIDE "Market Entry Europe"

Unlock the European market with ease: Our free guide shows how non-EU businesses can sell in Europe without setting up a local entity. Learn how IDEAL’s Merchant-of-Record model simplifies compliance, logistics, and payments.

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