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~ Staxxer ~

THE IMPORTANCE OF

VAT COMPLIANCE IN

BUSINESS EXPANSION:

A HAPPYSOAPS JOURNEY

VormText: Renee van Dal // Photos: Kenmerk

Often, value-added tax (VAT) can be overlooked in the business world, despite their vital
role in a company’s growth and success. Particularly when expanding internationally. This
article highlights the importance of cross-border VAT compliance through the journey of
HappySoaps, demonstrating the company’s evolution and how Staxxer seamlessly aligns with

each stage of growth.

ntroducing HappySoaps: A Sustainable Mission markets, HappySoaps aimed for further expansion. In 2021,
HappySoaps is dedicated to providing 100% plastic-free they researched the most suitable next market with experts,
Iand natural care products to everyone. Founders Marcel identifying Scandinavia’s high demand for sustainable
and Marco, concerned about excessive plastic packaging products: that is what led them to begin their Scandinavian
in the care industry, developed affordable and eco-friendly expansion in Sweden. To store goods in Sweden, they applied
alternatives to traditional care products. Handmade and for a Swedish VAT number, which Staxxer promptly supplied.
produced in their Netherlands-based factory, HappySoaps’ HappySoaps has been selling their products in Sweden for a
mission is to combat the 5 trillion pieces of plastic polluting year now. So far, the Nordic market is responding positively.
oceans by offering sustainable options. Consequently, the company is gradually expanding to other
Scandinavian countries: starting with Denmark, where they
Taking the first steps toward international growth are now in the start-up phase.
Initially, HappySoaps sold products through their Shopify
website in the Netherlands and Belgium. Eager to expand, Expanding horizons and simplifying VAT
they targeted Germany, one of Europe’s largest markets. To As HappySoaps continues to expand into multiple
facilitate this growth, HappySoaps sought Staxxer’s assistance European countries and stores goods in Germany, Sweden,
with their VAT number application. Staxxer’s account and potentially other locations, VAT management could
manager prioritised the task, ensuring swift submission become increasingly complex. To address this issue, Staxxer
and processing by the German Tax Office. As a result, has supplied all the necessary VAT registrations for
HappySoaps launched sales in Germany without any holdups. compliance and manages German and Swedish VAT filings.
As HappySoaps grows, it’s anticipated they’ll extend their
In addition to obtaining a German VAT number, reach to even more European countries.
HappySoaps faced challenges with their VAT filings. Staxxer
stepped in to manage the filings on their behalf, taking care Currently, HappySoaps offers their products in the
of HappySoaps’ monthly VAT obligations. Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden via
their Shopify webshop. They’re also exploring the possibility
Entering the Nordics of selling on Amazon to accelerate growth across Europe,
After successfully entering the Dutch, Belgian, and German taking advantage of the FBA program.

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