By Julie Clover
Apple today reminded developers that the EU trader requirements in the European Union are now in effect. Developers who distribute apps in the EU will now be required to provide information including an address, phone number, and email address to the EU App Store.
Submitting app updates to the App Store in the European Union now requires trader information, which is added through App Store Connect and published on each developer’s App Store page. App updates can no longer be submitted without trader information, and starting February 17, 2025, apps that do not have trader status set will be removed from the App Store in the EU until the trader status is provided and verified.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) in the European Union requires Apple to verify and display trader contact information for all “traders” who distribute apps on the App Store in the European Union. Developers who make money on the App Store, either through an upfront purchase price or through in-app purchases, are considered traders, regardless of size.
The contact information for every developer who is considered a trader will be publicly available, and there will undoubtedly be developers who are unhappy with this requirement. Independent developers and smaller companies may not have dedicated business addresses and phone numbers to provide, and are likely to be reluctant to provide their personal contact information.
Apple warned developers about the upcoming trader status requirement earlier this year. Currently, trader information must be provided before an app can be submitted for review.
Displaying trader status is a requirement of the Digital Services Act in the European Union, which means Apple must implement the feature. The developer's contact information will be displayed on the App Store product page when the app is distributed to any of the 27 EU territories.
More information on who is a trader and who must provide contact details can be found on Apple's website.
Tags: App Store, Apple Developer Program, European Union[ 191 comments ]
