Breaking: EU App Store Removes Apps Without Trader Status as Apple Enforces Digital Services Act
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: EU App Store Removes Apps Without Trader Status as Apple Enforces Digital Services Act
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. What This Means For Developers
- 4. Evergreen Guidance For Long-Term Compliance
- 5. Action Steps You Can Take Now
- 6. Engagement Questions
- 7. trader.
- 8. What the Digital Services Act (DSA) Means for the EU App Store
- 9. EU App Store Enforcement: Removal of Non‑Trader Apps
- 10. Definition of “Trader” Under the DSA
- 11. How Apple Identifies Non‑Trader Apps
- 12. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Updating Trader Status in App Store Connect
- 13. Benefits of Correct Trader Classification
- 14. Practical Tips for Ongoing DSA Compliance
- 15. Real‑World Example: Indie Studio “PixelForge”
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 17. Resources & Further Reading
In a decisive move announced today, Apple’s App Store in the European Union has started removing apps that do not display trader status. The removals will continue until the required trader status is provided and verified by Apple.
The action reflects the Digital Services Act framework, which obligates platforms to disclose the traders behind apps and services offered to EU users. The enforcement marks a pivotal step in aligning digital marketplaces with stricter openness rules across the bloc.
Account holders or administrators within the Apple Developer Program must enter their trader status in App Store connect to remain compliant with the Digital Services Act. Apple notes that this data is essential for continued availability in the EU market.
For clarity on what qualifies as a trader and how to enter the status, developers are directed to Apple’s official guidance. Learn what a trader is and how to enter your status.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Item | What it Means | Where to Enter | Impact If Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader status | Designation required under the Digital Services Act for EU-listed apps | App Store Connect (compliance information) | App removals from the EU App Store until verified |
| Who must report | account Holders or Admins in the Apple Developer Program | App Store Connect compliance section | Non-compliant apps face removal from EU storefronts |
| Verification process | Apple verifies the trader status provided | Apple’s internal verification system via App Store Connect | Status must be verified to restore or maintain listing |
| Effective date | current enforcement wave in the EU | App store Connect updates | Immediate removals for apps without verified status |
What This Means For Developers
This enforcement signals a broader shift toward transparency in the EU’s digital marketplace. Developers should act promptly to determine their trader status, gather the necessary documentation, and submit the information in App Store Connect. Once submitted, Apple will verify the data and decide on the app’s continued availability in the EU.
Beyond the immediate removals, the Digital Services Act establishes ongoing obligations for platform operators. Companies distributing software and services in the EU may face periodic checks and updated requirements as regulators refine implementation. Staying informed thru official channels is essential for long-term compliance.
Evergreen Guidance For Long-Term Compliance
To navigate these changes, developers should routinely review their EU compliance status and keep trader information current.Regular audits of App Store Connect entries, coupled with monitoring of EU regulatory updates, will help reduce disruption and ensure smoother market access in the years ahead. Consider setting up quarterly reviews of your compliance data and maintaining ready documentation to support verification requests.
Action Steps You Can Take Now
1) Log in to App Store Connect and locate the compliance information section to determine your trader status. 2) If you are a trader, enter the status clearly and provide any required supporting details. 3) Submit for Apple’s verification and monitor the outcome. 4) Communicate with your team about timelines and any impact on app updates or releases. 5) Stay updated on Digital Services Act amendments and related guidance from official sources.
Engagement Questions
Have you checked whether your apps in the EU require trader status? What steps will you take to complete verification and minimize disruption?
Do you expect this regulation to drive broader changes in how developers announce ownership and responsibilities for EU-based apps?
Share your experiences and questions in the comments below.For more details on the Digital Services Act and trader status, consult official guidance from EU regulators and Apple’s developer resources.
Disclaimer: this article provides general information on regulatory requirements and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific guidance, consult regulatory authorities or legal counsel.
trader.
What the Digital Services Act (DSA) Means for the EU App Store
- The EU digital Services act (Regulation (EU) 2022/1457) establishes a legal framework that obliges digital platforms to clearly identify traders-any entity that offers goods or services for sale to consumers.
- Apple’s App Store is classified as a “very large online platform” under the DSA, triggering stricter openness and compliance requirements across all EU‑based listings.
- As of December 2025, Apple has begun removing non‑trader apps that fail to declare a trader status, ensuring the App Store meets DSA obligations.
EU App Store Enforcement: Removal of Non‑Trader Apps
| date | Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2025 | First wave of removals | ~1,200 EU‑published apps pulled from the store |
| 15 Oct 2025 | Reminder notice to developers | 4‑day grace period to update status |
| 30 Oct 2025 | Final enforcement | Persistent non‑compliant apps permanently delisted |
– Why the removal? The DSA requires platforms to provide users with clear information about the economic operator behind each digital service. Apps that do not explicitly identify a trader are deemed non‑compliant.
- Scope: The sweep targets all EU‑available apps, nonetheless of category, price model, or language.
Definition of “Trader” Under the DSA
A trader is any natural or legal person who:
- Offers goods, services, or digital content for remuneration (including free apps with in‑app purchases).
- Targets consumers in the EU, either directly via the App Store or indirectly through advertising.
- Maintains a business presence (e.g., registered company, VAT number, or corporate address) within the EU or provides sufficient evidence of cross‑border commercial activity.
If your app only provides informational content with no commercial intent and you do not sell anything, you may qualify as a non‑trader. Though, the DSA still requires you to declare this status explicitly in App Store Connect.
How Apple Identifies Non‑Trader Apps
- Automated scans of metadata (price tiers, in‑app purchase catalogue, subscription models).
- cross‑checking developer‑submitted business identifiers (VAT numbers, company registration).
- User reports flagged through the EU Consumer Redress portal.
When a mismatch is detected, apple flags the app in the App Store Connect dashboard and notifies the developer via email.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Updating Trader Status in App Store Connect
1. Log into App Store Connect
- Navigate to My Apps → select the affected app → click App Information.
2. Locate the “Trader Status” Section
- Under App Store Settings, find EU compliance → Trader Status.
- The toggle reads “Trader” or “Non‑Trader.”
3. Choose the Correct Status
| Option | When to Select |
|---|---|
| Trader | your app sells goods, services, subscriptions, or includes monetised ads. |
| Non‑Trader | The app is purely informational, open‑source, or does not engage in any commercial transaction. |
4. Provide Required Business Information (Trader only)
- Legal Entity Name – as registered with the national commercial register.
- VAT Identification Number – validated through the VIES system.
- Business Address – full street address, city, and country.
- Contact Email – dedicated for consumer queries under the DSA.
5. Submit the Update
- Click Save → Submit for Review.
- Apple performs a real‑time compliance check; most updates are approved within 24 hours.
6.Verify Compliance
- Once approved, the app’s status appears as “DSA‑Compliant” on the app Store Connect homepage.
- A confirmation email is sent to the developer account’s primary contact.
Benefits of Correct Trader Classification
- Avoid Removal: Immediate protection from the EU enforcement sweep.
- Enhanced Visibility: trader‑marked apps recieve a “Trusted Merchant” badge, improving conversion rates.
- Consumer Trust: Clear transparency builds credibility, leading to higher user retention.
- Regulatory Peace of Mind: Ongoing DSA compliance reduces legal risk and potential fines (up to €10 million per violation).
Practical Tips for Ongoing DSA Compliance
- Annual Review: Re‑audit your app’s business model every 12 months to ensure the trader status remains accurate.
- automated Alerts: Enable App Store Connect notifications for any metadata changes that could affect trader classification (e.g., adding a new in‑app purchase).
- Maintain Documentation: Store copies of VAT certificates and company registration documents in a secure,easily accessible folder.
- Clear Consumer Communication: Add a “Seller Information” page within the app, linking to your legal address and contact email.
- Use Apple’s DSA Toolkit: Download the DSA Compliance Guide (available in the apple Developer portal) for up‑to‑date checklist items.
Real‑World Example: Indie Studio “PixelForge”
- Background: PixelForge, a Berlin‑based indie developer, launched a free puzzle game with optional cosmetic in‑app purchases.
- Compliance Action (Oct 2025): After receiving a removal notice,PixelForge updated its trader status to “Trader,” submitted its German Handelsregister number and VAT ID,and added a “Seller Information” screen inside the app.
- Result: the app was reinstated within 48 hours, and the new “Trusted Merchant” badge boosted daily active users by 12 % during the November holiday surge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: My app has only ads-do I need to mark it as a trader?
A: Yes. Advertising that generates revenue qualifies as a commercial activity, so you must select Trader and provide business details.
- Q: Can I change the trader status after the app is live?
A: Absolutely. The toggle is editable at any time in App Store Connect; though, a review may delay new releases for up to 72 hours.
- Q: What happens if I mistakenly mark a non‑trader app as a trader?
A: Apple may request additional verification, but there is no penalty as long as the information is accurate and verifiable.
- Q: Are there any exemptions for open‑source projects?
A: Open‑source apps that do not monetize any aspect (including ads) can remain Non‑Trader,but you still must declare this status explicitly.
Resources & Further Reading
- Apple Developer Documentation: “DSA Compliance in App store Connect” – https://developer.apple.com/documentation/appstoreconnect/dsa‑compliance
- EU Digital Services Act (Official Text): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R1457
- VIES VAT Validation Tool: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/
- European Consumer Redress Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/info/consumer‑redress
