How to Complete EU Digital Services Act Compliance for iOS App (2026 Guide)

If you are an iOS developer who distributes apps in the European Union, getting an EU Digital Services Act (DSA) compliance certificate on App Store Connect is a necessary step. As of February 17, 2025, any new app submission or update for EU distribution requires your trader status to be declared and verified already. Your app will be removed from all 27 EU territories if you fail to maintain compliance.

Whether you are a solo developer or an organization submitting your first iOS app, this EU Digital Services Act App Store guide for your iOS app will get you the compliance certification smoothly.

So, Let’s Get Started.

What is the EU Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a European Union regulation that was passed in November 2022 and became fully applicable in February 2024. Its objective is to create a secure and more transparent digital environment by making online platforms responsible for their users. Especially for app developers, Articles 30 and 31 of the DSA apply a direct obligation on platforms such as Apple: they must verify and display trader contact information publicly on every app product page for apps distributed in the EU.

This means that EU customers can view the business name, address, phone number, and email address directly on your App Store listing page. The DSA treats this as a basic consumer right to know who is selling them a product or a service.

Which Specific DSA Articles Apply to You as an App Developer?

An iOS app developer has a few articles that affect them directly. The three articles are:

1. Article 30 Trader Information

This article requires platforms like Apple to collect and verify your contact information before allowing you to distribute apps in the European Union. Your business name, address, phone number, and email must be correct and verified.

2. Article 31 Public Display of Trader Details

Once verified, Apple must publicly display your contact details on your App Store product page. EU users can see exactly who is behind the app and downloading. This is the basic consumer right under the EU.

3. Article 32 Platform Responsibility

This article is the reason Apple enforces DSA compliance strictly. It legally requires Apple to notify EU consumers about unverified or non-compliant sellers on its platform. If you are not compliant, Apple has no choice but to remove your app from the App Store.

Does Every Article Apply to You?

No. Articles dealing with very large platforms, algorithmic transparency, and crisis response apply only to major problems like social networks or search engines. As an individual developer or a small organization, Articles 30, 31, and 32 are the ones you need to focus on.

What happens if you don’t have DSA compliance?

Many individual developers initially dismissed DSA compliance as an organizational concern. But DSA compliance applies to everyone, irrespective of team size.

Apple removes non-compliant iOS apps because Article 32 of the DSA legally requires Apple to notify consumers about illegal or unverified sellers on its platform. Non-compliance directly creates a legal exposure for Apple, which is why enforcement starts immediately.

Below is exactly what will happen if you don't have DSA compliance:

• Your app will be removed from the App Store in all 27 EU territories

• New app submissions and updates will be blocked from the EU approval process

• Existing EU consumers will no longer be able to re-download or update your app

• Active subscriptions and In-app purchases from EU consumers may get disrupted

Completing DSA compliance on App Store Connect has a positive impact too.

• It builds consumers’ trust and confidence in the app.

• When EU users view the verified information on your product page, it enhances your accountability as a developer.

• It is important for paid apps and any app monetization through in-app purchases.

Even if you don’t distribute your iOS app in EU territories, Apple still needs you to declare your trader status. Completing DSA compliance applies to all the developer accounts globally. You must complete the declaration at a minimum as a non-trader, even if you are a solo developer with a free iOS app.

How to define your trader status under the DSA?

Am I a Trader Under DSA? This question is asked to everyone before you open App Store Connect. Here is how to access it based on the factors Apple references from the European Commission-published guidance directly.

A DSA defines a Trader as any natural person or legal person who sells products or services as part of their work or business. It can be an individual, a developer, or an organization.

Key factors that indicate you ARE a trader:

• Your app includes In-app purchases, subscriptions or is a paid download

• Your app is ad-sponsored and generates revenue from advertising

• You are a VAT registered in any country

• You have developed the app as part of your profession, business, or organization

• Your account is registered as an Organization in the Apple Developer Program

• You promote or advertise products or services through your app

Key factors that indicate you are NOT a trader:

• You built the app for personal use with zero commercial involvement

• The app has zero monetization options, no advertisements, and no commercial activity

• You are fully outside the scope of trade, business, or profession

If you are still unsure about the trader status, kindly contact your legal advisor before making any declaration in the App Store Connect.

What details are required for EU DSA compliance?

The information required for EU DSA compliance depends on which account is registered in your Apple Developer Program account.

1. Individual Account

You must provide all contact details manually. You must enter:

• Physical address or P.O. Box

• Verified phone number (displayed publicly)

• Verified email address (displayed publicly)

2. Organizational Account

Your physical address is pulled from your D-U-N-S number automatically and is displayed. You must provide:

• Verified phone number (displayed publicly on App Store)

• Verified email address (displayed publicly on App Store)

All traders must provide payment account details in App Store Connect if not entered and certify that they only offer products or services that comply with applicable EU law. This step is part of the compliance process flow.

Why Apple Asks for Each Piece of Information, Mapped to the DSA Law:

What Apple Asks For	DSA Article	Why It’s Required
Name and Address	Article 30(1)(a)	The platform must know who the trader is
ID Documents / D-U-N-S	Article 30(1)(b)	Verification of trader identity
Payment account details	Article 30(1)(c)	Ensure traders can receive and process payments legally
Business registration number	Article 30 (1)(d)	Verify the trader is registered as a legal entity
Self-certification (EU law compliance)	Article 30(1)(e)	The trader confirms that their products comply with EU law
Email and phone number displayed publicly	Article 31	The platform interface must enable the consumer to contact

DUNS Number - It is a different nine-digit number that serves as a standard business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It is used to verify your legal presence, the organization’s identity, and physical address.

Documents You Need before Beginning the Process

Make sure that you have gathered all the documents listed below to avoid getting stuck in the middle of the process or having documents that might get rejected by Apple.

1. Business name verification document

A current legal or business document confirming your registered business name. You will be asked to select the language your document is written in. Apple accepts the following verification documents:

• Company registration certificates

• Official legal filings

• Government-issued business documents

2. Address verification document

A document confirming your business address. If you are using a P.O. Box that is supported by Apple. Although you still need a secondary document, such as a receipt or bill, proving that the P.O. box is associated with your organization or business. Both documents are a must.

3. Verified phone number

Apple sends a 6-digit verification code through SMS or an automated call. Google Voice and VoIP numbers are confirmed to work. Turn off Do Not Disturb before to avoid missed codes.

4. Account holder or Admin Access

Only an Account holder or Admin can complete DSA compliance by confirming their role in Apple’s official role permissions documentation. If you hold a different role, ask your Account Holder to perform this step.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete EU Digital Services Act Compliance in App Store Connect

Step 1: Navigate to App Store Connect

• Log in to App Store Connect with your email ID or phone number that is linked to your Apple Developer Program account.

• Make sure you are signed in as an Account holder or Admin to see the compliance options. The compliance option will not be shown in other roles.

Step 2: Look for the Business Section

• Click on "Business" from App Store Connect. This section includes all agreements, compliance requirements, tax forms, and banking information.

Step 3: Go to the Compliance section

• Click on the Agreements tab inside Business

• Scroll down to look for the compliance section

• Find the Digital Service Act entry

• Click on Complete Compliance Requirements to launch the DSA compliance flow

Step 4: Declare Your Trader Status

The compliance process provides two options. So, select wisely and carefully, as this declaration has legal implications.

Option 1: This is a Trader account.

Here is how to verify trader status in App Store Connect based on the factors Apple references.

• If you distribute apps in the EU as a trader. Your apps will, by default, be distributed in all regions, including the EU.

• Then, you must provide contact details for public display and upload verification documents.

• Click Next to proceed.

Option 2: This is not a Trader account.

Select this if you want a non-trader status on the App Store EU based on Apple’s preferences

• If you do not distribute in the EU or are not considered a trader.

• EU consumers will be informed that consumer protection laws do not apply to contracts with you.

• Click on Done, and no further information is required.

Step 5: Enter Your Contact Information

You have to enter all the information on the Contact Information Verification Form. This information will be displayed publicly in your App Store product pages for EU users. Make sure all the details are accurate. Apple verifies it against the documents you upload.

• Physical address or verified P.O. Box

• Postal code, city, and state/territory

• Country and international dialling code

• Contact phone number (verified by SMS)

• Contact email address (verified by OTP)

Click on Next when all fields are complete.

P.O. Box - P.O. Box stands for Post Office Box, which is a rented mailbox at your local post office. It works as your official mailing address, so you do not need to share your home address publicly. Many developers use it on the Apple App Store to keep their personal address private.

Step 6: Verify your Email Address

• Apple sends a six-digit one-time verification code to the email address you entered.

• Enter this code when prompted.

• Once verified, you are automatically moved to the phone number verification process.

Step 7: Verify your Phone Number

• Apple sends a six-digit verification code through SMS to your phone number.

• Enter the code when prompted.

• In case SMS is not working, use the "Receive a call instead" option.

• According to Apple’s documentation, if your phone cannot receive a two-factor authentication code, you can request manual verification from Apple support.

SMS Verification Code App Store DSA Not Working?

This issue is widely reported in the Apple Developer Forums. If SMS codes consistently fail, switch to a Google Voice or VoIP number (Voice Over IP Number); both are confirmed to work. Turn off Do Not Disturb and try both SMS and call before requesting the manual verification.

Step 8: Upload Your Documents for Verification

This is the most important step for avoiding rejection. The step is divided into mini steps:

1. Business Name Document

• Select the language your document is written in.

• Then upload a current business legal record confirming your registered business name.

• Apple accepts company registration certificates and government filing documents.

2. Address Verification Document

• Upload a document confirming your address.

• If using a P.O. Box, you have to upload a secondary document, either a receipt or bill, to prove the P.O. Box is linked to your name or business.

• Apple requires submitting both. If you only have one, it can result in rejection.

Step 9: Review and Confirm

Apple shows an entire summary of all the information you have provided. Review every detail thoroughly. As you click on Confirm, changes cannot be made while the review is in progress.

After confirming, you will receive a confirmation email from Apple, and your compliance section will show the status as “In Review” (badge).

How to set DSA Compliance for Individual Apps

Apple allows you to set or override DSA trader status at the individual app level. This is helpful when your account is declared a trader but has no specific commercial activity, and you want to manage it separately.

Below are the steps to set DSA compliance for individual apps, given by Apple’s documentation:

1. Click on Apps from the App Store Connect homepage.

2. Select the specific app you want to be updated from the list.

3. Click on App Information from the left sidebar.

4. Look for the App Store Regulations and Permits section.

5. Under the Digital Services Act, click on Edit.

6. In the pop-up window, change the trader status for that specific app and Save.

If you are setting yourself up as a trader for the first time at the app level, you have to enter and verify contact information that will display on that app’s EU product page.

Labels and Marking URLs—the feature most developers ignore

Apple’s documentation includes an important DSA feature. It is the ability to add labels and marking URLs to your App Store product page. Suppose your app’s category requires specific EU-mandated labels or markings, such as regulated products, health, or finance apps. You can provide a URL linking to these labels directly. This URL is visible on the EU-facing App Store product pages.

This is especially relevant for developers in regulated industries. Adding the URL shows EU consumers and regulators that your app meets the labeling requirements of EU laws.

Follow the steps below to add the URL.

1. Click on Apps and select your app from the homepage.

2. Click on App Information from the left sidebar.

3. Look for App Store Regulations and Permits.

4. Click on Add Labels and Markings.

5. Enter the URL in the pop-up window.

6. And click Done.

You can also edit the URL anytime. It does not require a new app submission to update the URL.

Your DSA Compliance Review Status

After submission, your compliance shows one of the three statuses.

IN REVIEW	COMPLETED / VERIFIED	ACTION REQUIRED
Apple is verifying your documents, so no editing is possible. Review takes a few business days. You will receive an email when complete.	Your information is verified. The contact details are now displayed publicly on EU App Store product pages. Your apps are live across all 27 EU territories.	"Action Required" indicated that the verification failed. Apple may not specify the reason. Re-uploading the correct documents and calling Apple Developer Support while uploading significantly improves the success rate.

Common Mistakes in DSA Compliance and How to Fix Them

Below are a few mistakes with their solutions for successful DSA compliance.

Mistake 1: DUNS Number Address Wrong DSA Compliance

The Fix: Apple automatically pulls the address from your D-U-N-S number for Organizational accounts. If your address is outdated, you cannot fix it inside App Store Connect. Contact Apple Developer support directly and request a D-U-N-S address update before attempting DSA compliance.

Mistake 2: SMS verification code never arrives

The Fix: Disable Do Not Disturb, confirm your phone number includes the correct country code, and try the automated call option. If the two fail to work, use Google Voice or a VoIP number. Apple also allows manual verification as a last resort.

Mistake 3: DSA Compliance Rejected Documents Fix

The Fix: The most common causes for document rejection are the following:

• The name on the document does not match your account name

• The address does not match the D-U-N-S number

• P.O. Box was provided without any secondary linking document

Call Apple Developer Support and upload documents while the advisor is on the call for successful compliance.

Mistake 4: Privacy concern (Home address appears publicly)

The Fix: Apple fully permits P.O. Boxes as a substitute for your home address, explicitly confirmed in Apple’s official DSA documentation. Most individual developers use a local mailbox service to get a legitimate, public business address. Just to include the secondary document linking the P.O. Box.

Mistake 5: Compliance Stuck at In Review

The Fix: Contact Apple developer support after 10 or more business days. Support can check the status and push if the documents are waiting for manual review.

FAQs

Q1. Can I change my trader status after submission?

A. Yes. Go to Business section → Agreements → Compliance → Digital Services Act → Edit. If the compliance status is “In Review," wait for Apple to complete the review.

Under individual apps, you can change the trader status: Apps → App Information → App Store → Regulation and Permits → DSA → Edit.

Q2. Does DSA compliance also apply to my Android app on Google Play?

A. Yes, but it has a separate process. This guide covers only the Apple App Store. Google Play Store has its own DSA compliance process inside Google Play Console.

Q3. Do I need to complete DSA compliance even if my app is not available in the EU?

A. Yes, Apple’s official documentation states that every developer account must declare a trader status irrespective of EU distribution. You still need to open the compliance process and select “not a trader.”

Q4. Will the home address be shown publicly on the App Store?

A. It depends on what you have entered in the address field. If you have entered the home address in the address field, it will be shown. Apple officially permits P.O. Boxes as a substitute, as explicitly stated in Apple’s DSA documentation. Many individual developers use a local postal service to provide a public-facing address without exposing their home details.

Q5. What documents does Apple accept for DSA verification?

A. Apple accepts the current organization legal record, showcasing the registered business name, such as organization registration certificates, official government filings, and legal documents. If you are using P.O. Boxes, ensure you upload a secondary linking document, such as a bill or a record.

Q6. Is DSA compliance the same as export compliance in App Store Connect?

A. No, these two are completely different requirements. Export compliance relates to encryption and US export regulations. While DSA compliance is an EU regulation, trader's contact information. Both are under App Store Connect but inside different sections and serve different legal purposes.

Q7. What happens if Apple gives no reason for my "Action Required" status?

A. It usually means there is a mismatch in your provided documents. Call Apple Developer Support and upload your documents again while the advisor is on the call.

Q8. Does DSA apply to my iOS app if it shows ads to EU users?

A. Yes, if your iOS app shows ads to EU users, you are considered a trader under the DSA. This means you must complete the trader declaration in the App Store Connect with verified contact details. Ad-sponsored apps that generate revenue from advertising fall under DSA compliance requirements directly.

Conclusion

Completing EU Digital Services Act (DSA) Compliance for your iOS app on the Apple App Store is a permanent requirement for every developer, whether distributing their apps in EU territories or not. The process includes declaring your trader status, providing verified contact details, uploading verified business documents, and passing Apple’s review successfully.

It is a one-time set-up that stays on your account. It helps to improve your app’s credibility, ensuring your apps are available across 27 EU territories without any interruption.

If you are just starting with the publishing of your iOS app, visit our Guide on How to Submit your iOS App on the App Store.