App Store Trader Status Deadline
Starting February 17, 2025: Due to the European Union’s Digital Services Act, apps without trader status will be removed from the App Store in the European Union until trader status is provided and verified, if necessary.
To determine if you’re a trader, you should consider a range of non-exhaustive and non-exclusive factors (see those listed on page 2 in the EC’s Guidance), which may include:
Whether you make revenue as a result of your app, for example if your app includes in-app purchases, or if it’s a paid or ad-sponsored app — especially if you’re transacting in large volumes
[…]
Whether you develop your app in connection with your trade, business, craft, or profession—meaning that you’re acting in a professional/business capacity. You’re unlikely to be a trader for EU law purposes if you’re acting “for purposes which are outside your trade, business, craft, or profession.” For example, if you’re a hobbyist and you developed your app with no intention of commercializing it, you may not be considered a trader.
When I looked at this last year, it seemed like anyone selling apps would be considered a trader. This guidance from Apple adds confusion: what is a large volume? What does it mean to offer an app for sale with no intention of commercializing it?
Still receiving this (again) despite confirmation that the status for my account is fine. This doesn’t inspire much confidence. Anyone else?
Apple’s trader registration for the new EU rules is a complete shambles. I sent them the documents last March. They didn’t process them in time, and they expired. So, I get in contact and get assigned an issue number and person assigned to the issue, pay for up-to-date docs, and send them again. Silence. And the threats of cutting off my apps continue to flow in.
Previously:
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What documents were there to be sent?
And yes, I also got an email about the trader status. I checked in Appstore Connect and I did the trader thing almost a year ago.
Folks on the Apple Books store are being hit with it as well - you have to provide your (if you're an indy working from home) home address and personal phone number to become public records.
So I'm pulling all my books from Apple's store, and closing my account. I'll do everything through FastSpring, where I only sell in my native currency, (effectively meaning I don't have an EU sales presence) and foreign buyers have to eat the conversion themselves.
