Manage Digital Services Act compliance information

Articles 30 and 31 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) require Apple to verify and display trader contact information for all traders distributing eBooks on Apple Books in the European Union (EU). This includes an address, phone number, and email address that you provide to Apple for the purpose of posting on your Apple Books product page in accordance with the DSA. Once verified, Apple will publish this information on the Apple Books product page when your eBook is distributed in any of the 27 territories of the EU.

You’ll be asked to disclose whether or not you’re a trader under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) in order to stay compliant across regions when distributing books on Apple Books. If you’re a trader, the European Union Digital Services Act (DSA) requires that you provide certain identification information, including your address and contact details, to be displayed on your Apple Books product pages to consumers in the countries and regions where the DSA is applicable.

• Trader self assessment: Find information about how to know if you are a trader.
• Enter DSA compliance information: Learn how to disclose your trader status in iTunes Connect.

If you’re not a trader, consumers in the countries and regions where the DSA is applicable will be informed that consumer rights stemming from applicable consumer protection laws won’t apply to contracts between you and them.

Trader self assessment

You must assess whether you are a trader for EU law purposes. If you don’t distribute content on Apple Books in the EU (e.g., you only distribute content outside the EU), you’re not acting as a trader for EU law purposes on Apple Books. 

Apple can’t determine whether you’re a trader.

How to know if you’re a trader

The DSA defines a trader as “any natural person, or any legal person irrespective of whether privately or publicly owned, who is acting, including through any person acting in his or her name or on his or her behalf, for purposes relating to his or her trade, business, craft or profession.”

Learn more about the Digital Services Act

The European Commission (EC) has issued a Notice on what constitutes a trader (See Section 2.2. “Concept of Trader"), though it is not specific to digital commerce. The EC has also published Guidance in the digital commerce context, from the perspective of when an ”influencer“ may be considered a trader.

To determine if you’re a trader, you should consider a range of non-exhaustive and non-exclusive factors (see those listed on page 2 in the EC’s Guidance), which may include:

• Whether you make revenue as a result of your book(s)—especially if you’re transacting in large volumes;
• Whether you engage in commercial practices towards consumers, including advertising, or promoting products or services;
  
• Whether you’re registered for VAT purposes; and
  
• Whether you sell book(s) in connection with your trade, business, craft, or profession—meaning that you’re acting in a professional/business capacity. You’re unlikely to be a trader for EU law purposes if you’re acting “for purposes which are outside your trade, business, craft, or profession.” For example, if you’re a hobbyist.
  

Regardless of whether you’re an individual developer or organization, if you have a legal status associated with a business activity, that would suggest you may be a trader.

The material contained herein is informational, general in nature, and does not constitute legal advice. If you’re uncertain about your status as a trader, consult with your legal advisor.

Information you need to provide if you’re a trader

You’ll need to enter the following for display on your Apple Books product pages:

• Physical address or P.O. Box
• Phone number
• Email address

If you need to update your physical address, use the Contact Us form and select the Legal Entity Information topic.

This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules, or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Enter DSA compliance information

Once your U.S. tax ID has been verified and you have accepted the agreement, you can input your digital services information in iTunes Connect. You must have the Admin role in iTunes Connect to add these details. Learn more about users and roles.

1. From the home page, click Business.
2. Then select Complete Compliance Requirements.
3. Select from the following options:
1. I’m a trader under the DSA. You’ll need to enter contact information for display on your Apple Books product pages. Continue to step 4.
2. I’m not a trader under the DSA or I don’t plan to distribute in the EU. You won’t need to provide any contact information. Click Done.
4. Enter or confirm the required contact information and click Next. Review your contact information and click Next.
5. Validate the email address you provided using two-factor authentication. Once you’re done, you’ll automatically be directed to the next step. If you cannot use two-factor authentication, please upload supporting documentation as outlined below.
6. Validate the phone number you provided on the previous screen using two-factor authentication. Once you’re done, you’ll automatically be directed to the next step. If you cannot use two-factor authentication, please upload supporting documentation as outlined below.
7. Follow the instructions to upload your documentation.
1. To verify your address, upload a certificate of incorporation or company letterhead that shows your organization’s official name or seal. If you’re an individual you may provide a current government-issued photo ID that includes the physical address.
2. If you’re displaying an alternate address, such as a P.O. Box, you’ll also need to provide documentation that reflects your association with this alternate address (for example, a receipt or bill).
3. When you’re done, click Next.
8. Review your information to make sure it’s correct, then click Confirm.

If you need to edit your information or change your trader status for your account, you can do so in the Business module.

Please note, if the information is In Review, updates cannot be made.

1. From the home page, click Business.
2. Under Compliance, select Digital Services Act.
3. In the pop-up window, change your trader status or your contact information.