VAT & SIRET Validation in PrestaShop: A Complete Guide for EU B2B Stores

Selling B2B in the European Union comes with complex tax obligations. Unlike B2C eCommerce, EU wholesale transactions often qualify for VAT exemptions, cross-border tax rules, and strict business verification requirements. 

In 2025–2026, tax authorities continue increasing digital audits, making proper VAT and SIRET validation more critical than ever. Incorrect handling can lead to penalties, compliance issues, and lost trust.

This guide explains VAT and SIRET validation, how PrestaShop handles EU tax rules, and how to implement a reliable validation workflow for B2B stores.

What is VAT Validation in EU B2B eCommerce?

VAT Verification is the verification of a business customer’s VAT number to accept tax-free transactions within the European Union.

Companies with a VAT must still pay VAT when they purchase goods from vendors in other member states, provided the company's tax number is valid and traceable. This is known as EU VAT validation in the PrestaShop store.

The Intra-Community VAT

Intra-community VAT applies when:

• One business in one EU country sells to a VAT-registered business in another EU country.
• The buyer has provided a valid VAT number.
• It will be deemed an intra-community supply.

In This Scenario:

• Seller charges 0% VAT.
• The buyer is responsible for VAT in their country of residence.

When VAT Exemption Applies

VAT exemption typically applies when:

• The buyer and seller are in different EU countries.
• Buyer has a valid VAT number.
• Goods are shipped cross-border.

The Penalties of Getting VAT Wrong

If VAT is incorrectly removed:

• Tax collectors could claim unpaid VAT.
• Stores could be fined and audited.
• Financial records become inaccurate.
• Compliance and profitability can be safeguarded with the right validation.

What is SIRET and Why Does It Matter for French B2B stores?

The SIRET number is the primary identifier for French B2B customers.

A SIRET number is a 14-digit number consisting of:

• First 9 Digits: Company Identifier (SIREN).
• Last 5 digits: (GOVT) NIC (facility ID code).

Difference Between SIREN and SIRET

• SIREN identifies the company.
• SIRET identifies a single location of the enterprise.
• The SIRET number is an INSEE-issued number that identifies companies in France for legal and tax purposes.

Why French Compliance Requires SIRET

SIRET is required for:

• Issuing invoices.
• Verifying legal business existence.
• Preventing fraudulent registrations.

Industries Most Affected

PrestaShop SIRET validation is crucial for:

• Manufacturing.
• Wholesale distribution.
• Construction.
• Professional Services

You must collect the SIRET for French B2B stores.

Why VAT & SIRET Validation is important for PrestaShop B2B stores.

Assurance is a key component of risk and compliance. Here’s why this validation is important for b2b stores:

Legal Compliance

Here’s the list of seven things EU tax authorities want from organizations:

• Verify VAT numbers.
• Maintain accurate invoices.
• Keep audit-ready records.
• Non-compliance can lead to audits and fines.

Prevent Fake Business Registrations

Fraudsters may attempt to:

• Use fake VAT numbers.
• Claim VAT exemptions fraudulently.
• Access wholesale pricing.

Validation filters out suspicious accounts.

Enable Tax-Free Invoicing

Verified VAT numbers allow:

• Zero-rated cross-border transactions.
• Accurate invoice generation.
• Automated tax rule application.

Shield Stores From Audit and Fines

Validation creates:

• Reliable documentation.
• Audit trails.
• Proof of compliance.

This is an enormous reduction in financial and legal risk.

PrestaShop’s Handling of VAT By Default (and Where It's Lacking)

PrestaShop provides tax rule functionality but lacks sophisticated validation.

Default Tax Features

PrestaShop supports:

• Tax rules by country.
• Tax calculation by address.
• VAT display on invoices.

Manual VAT Entry Limitations

Customers can manually enter their own VAT numbers, however:

• Numbers are not automatically validated.
• Incorrect entries may go unnoticed.
• Admins must verify manually.

No Real-Time Validation

Out of the box, PrestaShop does not verify EU VAT numbers against EU databases.

Without automation:

• Mistakes increase.
• Compliance risks grow.
• Admin workload rises.

Therefore, supplementary validation schemes need to be considered.

How To Enable VAT Verification for B2B Customers in PrestaShop

A good VAT process involves collection and validation.

VAT Number Collection During Registration

Add custom fields to collect:

• VAT number.
• Company name.
• Business address.

Best Practices:

• Introduce VAT for B2B clients.
• Add format validation rules.
• Provide clear instructions.

Real-Time EU VAT Validation (VIES)

How It Works:

• Customer enters VAT number.
• Store connects to the VIES database.
• The VAT number is checked in real time.
• If the validation succeeds, approval is granted.

Error Handling

If PrestaShop VAT validation for b2b fails:

• Notify the customer.
• Request correction.
• Prevent tax exemption until valid.

The use of automation also reduces the risk of human error and ensures compliance.

How to Make VAT Exemption in PrestaShop for B2B Clients

One of the most important advantages of EU B2B trade is VAT exemption.

When VAT Exemption Applies

VAT is removed when:

• The customer is based in another EU member state.
• This supply is treated as a Community Intra-Community Supply.

The process is also sometimes called VAT exempt B2B PrestaShop or PrestaShop B2B tax exemption.

Cross-Border EU B2B Rules

Key Conditions:

• Goods dispatched to another EU Member State.
• Supplier keeps shipping proof.
• The VAT registration number is included in your invoice.

Display VAT-Free Prices

Stores Can:

• Show prices excluding VAT.
• Apply zero tax rules automatically.

Invoice Considerations

Invoices Must Include:

• Buyer VAT number.
• Seller VAT number.
• Statement of VAT exemption.

SIRET Validation In PrestaShop: How It Works

SIRET validation ensures French businesses are legitimate.

SIRET Field Configuration

Add a dedicated SIRET field:

• Make it mandatory for French customers.
• Apply format validation rules.

Validation Logic.

Validation may include:

• Checking number length.
• Verifying numeric structure.
• Cross-checking documents.

Manual vs Automated Checks

Manual checks:

Admin reviews documents.

Automated checks:

Validation rules are applied instantly.

Approval Dependency

Accounts may remain pending until SIRET verification is complete.

Common VAT & SIRET Validation Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent compliance errors:

• Accepting unchecked VAT numbers.
• Applying VAT exemption incorrectly.
• Ignoring country-specific validation rules.
• Lack of admin monitoring.

These mistakes can trigger audits and penalties.

Best Practices for EU B2B Tax Compliance In PrestaShop

Follow these guidelines for reliable compliance:

Always Validate Before Approval

Never grant VAT exemption without verification.

Combine VAT Validation with Approval

Use a structured onboarding workflow.

Keep Tax Rules Updated

EU tax regulations evolve regularly.

Maintain Audit-Ready Logs

Keep validation records for future audits.

How FME Modules’ PrestaShop B2B Registration Module Simplifies VAT & SIRET Validation

The dedicated Prestashop B2B registration module can automate:

• VAT validation via VIES.
• SIRET collection and verification.
• Customer approval workflows.
• Automatic tax rule assignment.

Key advantages include:

• Reduced manual work.
• Lower compliance risk.
• Accurate tax handling.
• Scalable B2B onboarding

Automation ensures consistency and reliability.

Final Thoughts

VAT and SIRET validation are essential pillars of EU B2B eCommerce. By implementing proper verification, automation, and tax workflows, PrestaShop stores can stay compliant, avoid costly errors, and build trust with business customers. 

Proactive validation isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a powerful trust signal that strengthens long-term B2B relationships.