Are you seeing the message 'No VAT provided' in your invoice address?
If the system doesn't accept your VAT number, please check its validity using the EU VIES VAT number validation checker
Why might my VAT number fail on VIES?
The number isn't yet registered for cross-border (intra-EU) transactions.
In some countries, a company can have a valid national VAT number for domestic use, but it only becomes visible in VIES once it's separately activated for intra-Community trade (within the EU). This is common in countries like Spain, Italy, and Poland — the business may need to specifically request this activation from their national tax authority.
How to activate your VAT number for intra-EU trade
- Contact your national tax authority (the same one that issued your domestic VAT number).
- Request registration for intra-Community / cross-border VAT trade — this is a separate step from your regular domestic VAT registration.
- Wait for confirmation (usually a few days to weeks).
- Re-check your number on the EU VIES VAT number validation tool — it should now show as valid.
- Place your order again once VIES confirms your number is valid.
Is your company not VAT-registered?
This can apply to small businesses below the VAT threshold, newly founded companies, non-profit organizations, or institutions such as schools and government bodies. If so, simply disregard the 'No VAT provided' message, leave the VAT field empty, and proceed with your order. Your country's standard VAT rate will apply in the EU, as required for downloadable software and similar digital products. Outside the EU, no VAT will be charged.
EU B2B: Reverse-Charge VAT
If your company is based in an EU country other than Belgium, you may qualify for the reverse-charge mechanism, meaning your order is invoiced without Belgian VAT.
Who qualifies
To have VAT reverse-charged on your order, all of the following must apply:
- Your company is based in an EU member state (not Belgium)
- Your company is registered as a business (B2B), not a private individual
- You provide a valid, VAT-registered company VAT number at checkout in step 'Bill to'
What you need to do
When completing your billing address, make sure to enter your company's VAT number. Our web shop validates this against the EU VIES database in the background before confirming the order.
What happens on your invoice
- If your VAT number is validated, your invoice will show 0% VAT, with a note referencing the reverse-charge mechanism (Article 196, EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC). You remain responsible for declaring and accounting for the VAT locally, according to your country's rules.
- If your VAT number cannot be validated, or is missing, your country's standard VAT rate will be applied, in line with regulations for products such as downloadable software.
Who does not qualify
- Belgian companies — Belgian VAT always applies, regardless of VAT number.
- Private individuals / personal orders — you can disregard the red error message 'No VAT provided', reverse-charge only applies to registered businesses. Leave the VAT field in your invoice address empty and proceed with your order. Your country's standard VAT rate will apply in the EU, as required for downloadable software and similar digital products. Outside the EU, no VAT will be charged.
- Non-EU customers — You can disregard the red error message 'No VAT provided', as European VAT does not apply to your order. Leave the VAT field in your invoice address empty and proceed with your order. Your invoice will show 0% VAT, as your country is outside the EU and hence the goods and services provided by KNX are regarded as export towards a non-EU country (regardless if you represent a registered business or a private individual).
Questions?
If your VAT number isn't validating correctly, or you believe your invoice was issued with the wrong VAT treatment, contact info@knx.org with your order number.