VAT Registration Assistance

Your VAT number is not recognized – What now?

Are you a Belgian business customer and your VAT number is not accepted during our registration process? This means that your VAT number is not recognized in the European VIES system, which is necessary to place orders with us without VAT. Below we explain why this happens and what you can do.

Why is my VAT number not accepted? There are several reasons why your VAT number may not be recognized:

  1. Your VAT number is not active for intra-community trade
    In Belgium, a VAT number needs to be specially activated for transactions within the EU.
    You can verify this with the Belgian tax authorities or via the KBO website.

  2. Your business is exempt from VAT in Belgium
    Small businesses with a turnover under €25,000 may have a VAT exemption.
    This means you do not need to file VAT returns in Belgium, but you also cannot apply VAT exemption for purchases in the Netherlands.
    In that case, we are required to charge Dutch VAT (21%) on your invoice.

  3. Your VAT number is new or recently changed
    It may take a few days for a new or changed VAT number to be visible in the VIES system.
    Please try again later or contact the Belgian tax authorities.

  4. Technical issue or input error
    Verify that your VAT number has been entered correctly: BE 0XXX.XXX.XXX.
    Try again later in case of possible issues with the VIES system.

What should you do?

  1. Check if your VAT number is correct and active in VIES:
    Visit VIES and enter your VAT number.
    If your number is not found, contact the Belgian tax authorities.

  2. Do you have an exemption?
    If so, we cannot apply VAT exemption and will charge Dutch VAT (21%) on your invoice.

  3. Need help? Contact us!
    If you believe your VAT number is correct but still isn’t accepted, please contact us.