How it works — FreshApp EU VAT - B2B & OSS

Principle

How it works

The VAT number is checked on both sides of the address form: in the browser for instant feedback, and on the server, the only truly reliable barrier.

  1. Company entered, number empty

    The address is refused with « The VAT number is required when a company is provided ». As an option, this rule only applies in the EU: a US or Swiss company can order without a number.

  2. Format and VIES

    The number must follow its country's official format (EU countries, United Kingdom); in the EU, it can also be checked with the European VIES service.

  3. Foreign business

    A billing address in another country with a valid VAT number is invoiced without VAT, from cart to invoice. The invoice reads « Reverse charge » (EU customer) or « Supply not taxable in the EU » (non-EU customer).

  4. Country reserved for businesses

    In a chosen country (the United Kingdom, for instance), the company and the number are mandatory; a consumer cannot pay and a message explains why.

No company, no constraint — except in countries reserved for businesses. The number is then neither required nor checked, and the field can be hidden.

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