EU Verifier is an independent information resource dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of European business identification systems. We provide comprehensive guides, format references, and verification guidance for VAT identification numbers, EORI codes, and Legal Entity Identifiers.
Operating across European borders requires understanding multiple identification systems, each with its own purpose, format, and verification requirements. We created EU Verifier to consolidate this information into a single, accessible resource that helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements and conduct due diligence efficiently.
Our goal is to demystify business identifier verification by explaining not just how to verify numbers, but why verification matters, when different identifiers are required, and how to troubleshoot common issues. We believe informed businesses make better decisions and avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Our content addresses three primary categories of business identifiers used in European commerce and finance:
VAT Identification Numbers are essential for intra-community trade within the European Union. We explain how the VIES validation system works, what different verification results mean, and how to maintain compliance with VAT obligations when selling across borders.
EORI Numbers are required for any customs activities involving the EU's external borders. Our guides cover when EORI numbers are needed, how to verify them, and the specific requirements for import, export, and transit operations.
Legal Entity Identifiers are mandatory for entities participating in regulated financial markets. We explain LEI requirements under MiFID II, how to verify LEI records through GLEIF, and the difference between LEI and other business identifiers.
We strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information drawn from official sources including European Commission publications, national tax authority guidance, and regulatory documentation. Our content is written in clear language accessible to business professionals who may not be tax or customs specialists.
We do not provide legal or tax advice. Our guides explain general principles and procedures, but specific situations may require consultation with qualified professionals. We always recommend verifying through official channels and seeking expert guidance for complex compliance questions.
EU Verifier is an independent publication not affiliated with the European Commission, any national government agency, or any official verification service. We are not operated by or connected to VIES, the EORI validation system, or GLEIF.
This website is supported by advertising through Google AdSense. This advertising model allows us to provide our content free of charge to all visitors. We do not accept payment for favorable coverage, and our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers.
We welcome feedback on our content, suggestions for additional topics, and notifications of any errors or outdated information. While we cannot provide individual verification assistance or tax advice, we are committed to maintaining accurate and helpful content for our readers.
For general inquiries or feedback, please use the contact form below or reach out through our social media channels.
The information provided on EU Verifier is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, regulations change and specific situations vary. Always verify information through official sources and consult qualified professionals for advice on your particular circumstances.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of information on this website. Use of official verification tools (VIES, EORI validation, GLEIF) is subject to their respective terms and conditions.
In an increasingly interconnected European economy, proper verification of business identifiers serves multiple critical functions. First, it helps establish the legitimacy of trading partners before entering into commercial relationships. Companies conducting due diligence on potential suppliers or customers can quickly confirm that a business is properly registered for VAT, authorized for customs activities, or compliant with financial market regulations.
Second, verification protects against fraud. Invalid or fabricated business numbers are common tools in VAT carousel fraud schemes and other commercial deceptions. By verifying identifiers before processing transactions, businesses reduce their exposure to fraudulent actors and the potential liability that comes with participating in improper supply chains.
Third, proper verification supports compliance documentation. Tax authorities expect businesses to demonstrate that they verified trading partners as part of their VAT compliance processes. Maintaining records of verification attempts and results provides evidence of good faith efforts to comply with regulations.
The European Union has developed an extensive framework of business identification systems to facilitate trade while ensuring regulatory oversight. The VAT Information Exchange System connects all EU member state tax authorities, enabling real-time validation of VAT numbers across borders. The EORI system provides a unified approach to customs identification, replacing the patchwork of national systems that previously complicated international trade.
Financial market regulations have added another layer of identification requirements. The Legal Entity Identifier system, developed in response to the 2008 financial crisis, provides a global standard for identifying parties to financial transactions. Within the EU, LEI requirements are embedded in MiFID II, EMIR, and other regulatory frameworks governing securities and derivatives markets.
Understanding how these systems interact and when each identifier is required has become essential knowledge for businesses operating in European markets. Our guides aim to make this complex landscape accessible to business professionals regardless of their technical background.
We develop our content through careful research of official sources, including European Commission publications, national tax authority guidelines, customs regulations, and financial market rules. Our team monitors regulatory changes and updates content to reflect current requirements.
Each guide undergoes review for accuracy and clarity before publication. We aim to present information in a logical structure that builds understanding progressively, starting with fundamental concepts before addressing more complex scenarios. Where procedures differ between countries, we clearly indicate national variations.
We recognize that regulations evolve and that specific situations may have nuances not covered in general guidance. For this reason, we consistently recommend consulting official sources and qualified professionals for definitive answers to compliance questions.
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Thank you for using EU Verifier. We hope our resources help you navigate European business identification requirements with confidence.
