Important change in the verification of VAT identification numbers from November 30
From November 30, 2025, the technical interface for checking foreign VAT identification numbers (VAT ID) will change. The Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) will decommission the previous interface. Companies that have digitally connected their VAT ID checking must therefore adapt their processes.
With the VAT Number Check from M.SecureTrade, you are already prepared for this change. The fall 2025 update automatically takes the new BZSt interface into account.
Why is VAT ID number check so important?
Checking a VAT ID number is a key element in correctly processing VAT-exempt intra-Community deliveries. Companies that deliver to business partners in other EU member states must ensure that:
- the business partner is actually engaged in business activities,
- the VAT ID number provided is valid
- and the information matches the data held by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
If this proof is missing or an invalid number is used, the tax office can revoke the tax-free status of the delivery. In this case, substantial additional claims may arise.
Why automation is crucial
Many companies still check VAT ID numbers manually via the BZSt's online portal. This is not only time-consuming and prone to errors, but also difficult to document in a traceable manner. An automated solution, on the other hand, integrates the check directly into the business process, for example during master data maintenance, quotation submission, or invoicing.
The advantages are obvious:
- Audit-proof documentation of checks
- Automatic warnings for invalid or changed numbers
- Seamless integration into SAP processes
- Relief for specialist departments due to the elimination of manual checks
Typical use cases in practice
The M.SecureTrade VAT number check can be integrated at various points in the SAP process:
- Customer creation: Automatic validation of the VAT ID number when creating new customers
- Order entry: Live check before approving a tax-exempt order
- Invoice verification: Regular verification of existing business partners to minimize risk
- Mass tests: Periodic full checks of all relevant master data
From November 30: Old interface will be deactivated
The Federal Central Tax Office has announced that it will decommission the existing technical interface for validating foreign VAT ID numbers on November 30, 2025. From this date onwards, checks will only be possible via the new interface.
Companies that use their own connections or in-house developments must therefore ensure that these are converted in good time.
You can find out more on the BZSt website: www.bzst.de/DE/Unternehmen/Identifikationsnummern/Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer/AuslaendischeUSt-IdNr/auslaendische_ust_idnr_node.html
Well prepared with M.SecureTrade
With the fall 2025 update, the M.SecureTrade VAT Number check will be expanded to support the new BZSt interface. Companies using this solution will not need to make any additional adjustments. In addition to checking via the interface of the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt), M.SecureTrade VAT Number check also supports checking via the EU interface VIES (Value Added Tax Information and Exchange System).
This ensures that your processes remain legally compliant, secure, and efficient even after November 30.
Conclusion:
The change to the BZSt interface is a further step towards modern and secure data exchange processes. Those who have automated their VAT Number Check have a clear advantage – especially with a solution that automatically adapts to legal requirements.
With M.SecureTrade, you always remain compliant and secure.