The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), effective August 2023 and fully applicable from February 17, 2024, mandates that online platforms, including app developers, disclose their “trader status” for app submissions. Apple set a compliance deadline for developers to submit this information by February 17, 2025, warning that non-compliance would lead to app removals. As a result, over 135,000 apps lacking trader data were removed from EU App Stores recently, marking the largest app removal event in history. Traders, including those generating revenue from downloads or ads, must provide contact details and a DUNS number to ensure compliance.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union, which provisionally came into force in August 2023, established a framework of rules for online platforms aimed at safeguarding consumers. The DSA became fully applicable to all online platforms on February 17, 2024, with Articles 30 and 31 mandating app developers to disclose their “trader status” for the submission of new apps or updates to be distributed in the EU.
To adhere to this directive, Apple has advised developers to submit their trader status by Monday, February 17, 2025; failing to do so will lead to the removal of their apps from the App Store.
As reported by Appfigures (via TechCrunch), more than 135,000 apps whose developers failed to provide trader information have been removed from the App Stores across EU member nations in the past two days. This marks the largest single removal of apps from the platform since its launch.
App Store Connect platform and Trader Information
So, who qualifies as a trader? Any app that generates revenue via the App Store from downloads, in-app purchases, or ads is considered a trader. Organizations are required to submit their phone number, email address, and the information linked with their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, while individual developers must provide their own address, phone, and email details. The apps that have been removed will remain hidden until their developers update their trader status through the App Store Connect platform.
Source | Via