EU VAT Validation & VIES Checker for WooCommerce
Our plugin makes it easy to set up tax-compliant checkouts. It verifies EU and Swiss VAT numbers during checkout and applies the correct VAT rules. Setup is quick, your data stays in the EU, and everything meets GDPR standards.
Quick Start (3 steps)
Follow these steps to check EU VAT numbers at checkout. No technical knowledge is required.
Install and activate the plugin to begin
- Install the plugin by going to Plugins → Add New or by uploading the .zip file directly.
- Activate the plugin and open settings. The EU VAT Checker options are now available in your WooCommerce settings menu.
Turn on VAT validation & show the VAT field
- Enable validation in the EU VAT Checker settings menu.
- Confirm the VAT number field appears at checkout.
Place a test order to verify functionality.
- Enter a VAT number to check if it is valid or to spot any issues right away.
- Eligible B2B buyers may be exempt from VAT at 0% when the applicable rules are met.
Tip: Start by testing one or two VAT numbers to review each status message.
Requirements & Compatibility
- - WordPress 6.5 or higher
- - WooCommerce 9.0 or higher
- - PHP 8.1 or higher.
- - HPOS compatible
- - WP-Cron enabled (for scheduled tasks)
Note: Your site must be accessible over HTTPS for live VAT validation via official EU services.
Setup & Configuration
Enable VAT validation
Enable EU VAT validation to allow the checkout to verify VAT numbers.
Show the VAT field
Ensure customers can enter their VAT number at checkout.
UI & Notifications
Adjust the messages customers see for valid, invalid, or mismatch states.
4) Optional: Swiss UID (CHE)
When selling to Swiss businesses, enable Swiss UID validation.
Caching & clearing
Stick with short results to speed up checkout. Use Clear Cache as needed.
VAT exemptions (when allowed)
If your business is registered in the EU, you can get a 0% VAT rate for sales to other EU countries. For example, if a Dutch seller sends goods to a French company with a valid VAT number, the sale qualifies for 0% VAT. This makes the process simple and tax-compliant.
Common Tasks
Show the VAT field at checkout.
- Open the EU VAT Checker "General settings".
- Enable "Show VAT number field at checkout".
Apply 0% VAT for eligible EU B2B transactions.
- When customers enter valid EU VAT numbers at checkout, BridgeSync automatically applies the correct VAT rules.
- It must be an intra-community supply from different EU countries.
- When both conditions are met, VAT is shown as 0% at the totals.
Fix the "country mismatch"
- Follow this quick diagnostic checklist to resolve mismatches efficiently:
- Verify the country code: Ensure the VAT number begins with the correct two-letter code.
- Match billing country: Confirm that the billing country matches the country of VAT registration.
Enable Swiss UID (CHE) validation.
- Open the "CHE validation" tab in settings.
- Enable validation. Select "Use test mode with realistic Swiss dummy data" only for testing.
Change the messages customers see.
- Open "UI & Notifications".
- Edit the text to show the loading, valid, invalid, or mismatch states.
Clear the cache
- Open the EU VAT Checker dashboard.
- Click "Clear Cache".
Frequently asked questions
Why is a VAT number marked as invalid?
Check whether the country code and VAT number format are correct. If everything looks right, try again later, the official validation services may be temporarily busy.
Does BridgeSync work with WooCommerce Checkout Blocks?
Yes. The VAT field and all validation messages appear seamlessly on both the WooCommerce Blocks and Classic checkout pages.
Will the checkout process become slower?
No. VAT validation results are cached for a short time to ensure that your checkout stays fast and responsive.
When does the 0% VAT rate apply?
The 0% VAT rate only applies to valid EU VAT numbers and intra-Community (B2B) transactions. If one of these conditions isn’t met, standard VAT will apply automatically.
How can I translate the VAT messages?
You can translate all messages using WPML, Loco translate or directly modify them under Settings → UI & Notifications within the BridgeSync plugin.
Glossary
VAT number
This business tax number is used across the EU. It always starts with a country code, like NL, DE, or FR.
VIES
This is the official EU way to check VAT number validity.
Intra-community supply
A sale between EU countries. If VAT is valid and conditions are met, 0% VAT may apply.
Swiss UID (CHE)
This is your Swiss business ID. Validate it when the Swiss option is enabled.
Fallback
When official services are down, allow or block format-only acceptance.
This is for developers.
If you need advanced integration details, we can provide them. Contact our support team for the developer guide. We deliberately keep the customer documentation simple. The following sections are developer-only; skip ahead if you just need checkout validation.
- If you need any developer documentation, just let us know.
- This page does not contain any information on public replication details.
- Get in touch now, and we'll help you to integrate safely.
Need help now?
Please contact us using one of the options below.
Choose what works best for you. We\'re here to help.
If you need a quick response, this is the best way to go.
Chat directly with our support team on WhatsApp. We\'re here to help, in your language.
WhatsApp us at +31 (0)85 124 95 15.We typically respond within 15 minutes.
Phone
Prefer personal assistance?
Call us for personalised help and advice. Support available in English and Dutch.
Call us at +31 (0)85 124 95 15.Opening hours:
The office is open Monday to Friday, 9.00–17.00.
Sat–Sun: Closed.
Contact us by email
For detailed questions
For technical questions, email for a response in your preferred language.
support@bridgesync.ioWe respond within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
Let's get started!
Install BridgeSync and check EU VAT numbers at checkout on WooCommerce.