The European Commission has developed a free web-based resource that allows companies to verify that a European Union VAT number is valid.

This feature is particularly interesting to any company supplying goods across borders within the EU e.g. a UK VAT registered business selling goods to a VAT registered business in Germany, or any other EU member state.

Tip: When verifying an EU VAT number, print a copy of the results page and keep it in your customer and/or VAT file. Should a VAT inspection be undertaken, your paper-trail will be in place.

Presently the website only confirms that a VAT number is valid - there are fields on the results page for the company name and address of the VAT number being checked, but these are left blank.

Click on the page-view image above to be taken to the website, or copy and paste the following address into your browser:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?selectedLanguage=EN

Please note that you will be leaving the Exporting Essentials website, and that Exporting Essentials cannot be held responsible for the content or accuracy of any third party website.