

16/12/2025
IE599 notification – what it is and why it matters for your business
IE599 notification – what it is and why it matters for your business
If you are involved in international trade and exporting goods outside the European Union, you have likely encountered the term IE599 notification. This electronic confirmation plays a key role in completing export procedures and ensuring VAT compliance. Find out what the IE599 notification is, how to obtain it, and why it is essential for your business.
What is an IE599 notification?
The IE599 notification is an electronic document confirming the export of goods outside the EU territory. It is issued by customs authorities once the goods have crossed the EU border. This confirmation is required to apply the 0% VAT rate on exported goods.
Without this notification, you cannot use the 0% preferential VAT rate for exports, which may lead to tax issues and delays in transaction processing.
How to obtain an IE599 notification
Obtaining an IE599 notification is straightforward, provided you follow all steps in the AES (Automated Export System). The procedure includes:
Preparing export documentation – Before starting the export, ensure all necessary documents are ready, including the export declaration.
Submitting the export declaration via AES – The declaration must be submitted through the ECS (Export Control System), an electronic tool for managing exports.
Export of goods and crossing the EU border – After the goods leave the EU, customs authorities generate the IE599 notification.
Receiving the IE599 notification – Once processed, the IE599 is sent to the exporter’s email address provided in the export declaration. This confirmation finalizes the export transaction.
How long does it take to receive an IE599 notification?
The waiting time depends on several factors, including the location of customs offices and the speed of clearance procedures. In most cases, the notification is generated immediately after the goods cross the border.
If the notification does not arrive on time, check the status of your declaration or contact the relevant customs office.
What to do if you don’t have the IE599 notification
A missing IE599 notification may indicate that the goods have not yet been registered in the customs system as having left the EU, or that there was an issue with processing the export declaration.
In such cases, you should:
Check the status of your export declaration in the AES system.
Contact customs authorities if the notification still has not arrived to identify the cause of the delay.
Keep supporting documents, such as transport documents, proof of delivery abroad, or payment confirmations. These can be useful if you inform customs about the export and request the missing IE599 notification.
Why work with a customs agency?
Managing export procedures and ensuring VAT compliance can be time-consuming and complex. That’s why it is beneficial to use a professional customs agency, such as PKS International CARGO S.A., which handles all export formalities, including obtaining the IE599 notification.
By working with us, you can focus on growing your business while we manage the technical aspects and ensure full compliance with export regulations.
Summary
The IE599 notification is an essential document for companies exporting goods outside the European Union. It confirms that goods have left the EU territory and allows the application of the 0% VAT rate, which is crucial for correct transaction accounting.
PKS International CARGO S.A. is an expert in export services. If you need help obtaining the IE599 notification or want to streamline your export processes, contact us. We will handle all formalities so you can focus on developing your business.
Contact us today to learn how we can support the growth of your business.




