VAT_BLOCKED
VAT number is blocked from validation
What does VAT_BLOCKED mean?
The VAT_BLOCKED error means the specific VAT number you're trying to validate has been blocked in the VIES system. The company or their member state has requested that this VAT number not be queryable through the public VIES API.
This is a deliberate restriction, not a technical error. The VAT number may be valid, but VIES won't provide information about it.
Why would a VAT number be blocked?
- Company request: Businesses can request their VAT number be excluded from VIES to prevent data harvesting or for privacy concerns
- Member state decision: A country may block certain categories of VAT numbers
- Fraud prevention: Numbers associated with suspicious activity may be blocked pending investigation
- Administrative reasons: Temporary blocks during registration changes or disputes
What this means for validation
A blocked VAT number is not necessarily invalid. The company may be legitimately registered for VAT but has opted out of public VIES queries. This creates a challenge for B2B transactions requiring VAT validation.
Blocked doesn't mean invalid
A VAT_BLOCKED response doesn't tell you whether the VAT number is valid or not. The number might be perfectly valid. You just can't verify it through VIES.
How to handle VAT_BLOCKED
1. Use a service with multiple data sources
VatDB queries multiple official EU and national databases. When a VAT number is blocked in VIES, we can often validate it through alternative sources. Use webhooks to get notified when validation completes through an alternative source.
2. Request validation directly
For important transactions, you can: - Contact the company and ask them to unblock their number - Request the company provide a recent VAT registration certificate - Contact the relevant tax authority directly
3. Document your due diligence
For tax purposes, record that you attempted VIES validation and received a blocked response. This may provide some protection if the number later proves invalid.
Validate blocked VAT numbers
VatDB queries multiple official EU and national databases. When a VAT number is blocked in VIES, we can often validate it through alternative sources directly. Get answers even when VIES won't help.
Try VatDB FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Can the company unblock their VAT number?
Yes. Companies can request their member state unblock their VAT number from VIES. If you need to validate a business partner's VAT, ask them to ensure their number is queryable.
Is it safe to do business with a company whose VAT is blocked?
VAT_BLOCKED doesn't indicate fraud or invalidity. However, for significant transactions, you should obtain alternative proof of VAT registration, such as an official certificate from the company.
Why would a legitimate company block their VAT number?
Some companies block VIES access to prevent competitors from verifying their existence, to reduce data harvesting, or for general privacy reasons. It's not inherently suspicious.
How does VatDB handle VAT_BLOCKED?
VatDB queries national databases directly, which may not respect VIES blocks. We can often validate numbers that return VAT_BLOCKED from VIES, giving you the verification you need.