Apple Reminds AppStore Developers and Book Distributors: Submit Merchant Identity Information by February 17, 2025

Apple Reminds AppStore Developers and Book Distributors: Submit Merchant Identity Information by February 17, 2025Apple yesterday (August 16) issued a notice reminding AppStore developers and book distributors that they must provide merchant identity information by visiting their Business page by February 17, 2025, or face removal from the European AppStore.In the announcement, Apple stated that starting October 16, 2024, developers are required to provide their merchant identity before submitting new applications or updates for release in the European Union

Apple Reminds AppStore Developers and Book Distributors: Submit Merchant Identity Information by February 17, 2025

Apple yesterday (August 16) issued a notice reminding AppStore developers and book distributors that they must provide merchant identity information by visiting their Business page by February 17, 2025, or face removal from the European AppStore.

In the announcement, Apple stated that starting October 16, 2024, developers are required to provide their merchant identity before submitting new applications or updates for release in the European Union. This requirement stems from the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA).

According to the DSA's definition, a merchant is "any natural or legal person, regardless of whether it is public or private, acting for the purposes relating to its trade, business, craft or profession, including any person acting in its name or on its behalf."

Apple has sent emails to book distributors through iTunesConnect, also requesting they provide the same merchant identity information.

This new regulation aims to strengthen the regulation of the European Union's digital market and ensure that all participants on the platform meet necessary transparency and responsibility standards. Apple emphasizes that this move is to ensure developers and book distributors can continue to offer their services on the European AppStore.

To comply, developers and book distributors need to visit Apple's Business page and provide the following information:

• Company Name

• Company Address

• Contact Phone Number

• Merchant Registration Number (if applicable)

Apple states that developers and book distributors should submit this information as soon as possible to avoid having their applications removed from the European AppStore.

This announcement has sparked widespread concern among developers and book distributors. Some developers express that providing this information takes time and effort and could bring additional costs. Certain book distributors worry that this regulation might impact their partnership with Apple.

Despite these concerns, Apple emphasizes that this step is taken to ensure developers and book distributors can continue to offer their services on the European AppStore and promises to provide necessary support to help developers and book distributors complete this process.

As the European Union's Digital Services Act comes into effect, similar regulations may be implemented on other digital platforms. This will require participants on these platforms to prioritize compliance and ensure their operations adhere to relevant laws and regulations.