How to update your Apple trader status from App Store Connect
Apple now requires developers to provide their trader status in order for their new iOS apps or app updates to be approved for distribution in the European Union (EU).
This new requirement — which is related to maintaining compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) — means developers must provide their trader status by February 17, 2025, or their apps will be removed from the EU App Store.
Here’s a related timeline of events:
- October 16, 2024: Trader status is now required for new app submissions and app updates. Traders need to provide trader information before they can submit an app for review.
- February 17, 2025: Apps with no trader status will be removed from the EU App Store until trader status is provided and verified by Apple.
What exactly is Apple's trader status?
Apple’s trader status applies to developers and businesses with apps in the App Store which allows them to sell apps, subscriptions, and other related content.
The trader status also involves legal and tax obligations, including the registration for Value Added Tax (VAT), or sales tax depending on the business’ or developer’s country or region.
What are the European Union Digital Services Act trader requirements for Apple?
According to the DSA, Apple is required to display trader contact information for all traders that are submitting apps on the App Store in the EU.
As a developer, you need to show an address, phone number, and email on your app’s App Store product page. Even if your app isn't distributed in the EU, you'll still need to declare your trader status.
Once verified, Apple will then publish this information for apps available in all the 27 EU countries. If you're not a trader, EU customers will be notified that consumer protection laws don’t apply to contracts with you.
You must provide your trader status when submitting your new app in App Store Connect to comply with the DSA (see below for steps).
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How to update your Apple trader status — and comply with the EU App Store trader status requirements
You can update your Apple trader status on App Store Connect itself. To do this seamlessly, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Log into your App Store Connect account. Go to App Store Connect and sign in using your Apple Developer account.
Step 2: Access the app you’re submitting or updating. Navigate to “My Apps”, and then select the app you want to update — or click on “+” to add a new app for submission.
Step 3: Declare your trader status. While updating your existing app, or submitting a new app, you must declare whether you’re a trader — or not — as required by the DSA.
Step 4: Complete the required trader Information. Once you declare yourself as a trader, provide your address, phone number, and email address for verification and display on your App Store product page in the EU.
Step 5: Review and submit. Review your app’s details and trader information. Make sure no misinformation is provided as it can lead to your existing app being removed from the App Store or your new app to be rejected from the App Store.
Once thoroughly reviewed, submit it for Apple’s own review by clicking on the “submit” button.
Step 6: Wait to be verified. Once submitted, Apple will review your submission and verify the information provided. Once verified, it will then display your app's trader information on your app’s product page when distributed in the 27 EU regions.
Summary
Apple now requires developers to disclose their trader status for new iOS app submissions and existing app updates in compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
Starting October 16, 2024, new apps and existing app updates must include trader information to be approved by Apple, and by February 17, 2025, apps without their verified trader status’ will be removed from the EU App Store.
As a developer, you must submit your contact details, including an address, a phone number, and an email address — these details will be displayed on your app’s App Store product page in the EU regions.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I mistakenly declare incorrect trader information?
If you declare incorrect trader information, your app may be rejected from the App Store or, if already live, removed from the EU App Store until the correct trader information is provided, reviewed, and verified.
Will my app be removed from all regions if I fail to declare trader status?
No, your app will only be removed from the EU App Store. It will still be available in other regions, but compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) is mandatory for EU distribution.
How long does it take for Apple to verify my trader status?
Verification times may vary from app to app, however, Apple usually reviews submissions within 5 business days. It's recommended to submit trader information as early as possible to avoid delays.
Can independent developers who aren't considered 'traders' still publish iOS apps in the EU?
Yes, independent developers can still publish apps, but they also need to declare their trader status as not a trader. EU consumers will then be notified that consumer protection laws do not apply to their app.
Does this requirement apply to free apps or just paid apps?
The requirement to disclose your trader status applies to all apps distributed in the EU, regardless of whether they are free or paid. Both traders and non-traders must declare their status to comply with the DSA.
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