This update introduces a new configuration option that allows businesses to require customers to provide a VAT number when EU VAT is enabled.
Previously, even when EU VAT was active, customers could complete registration or update their account details without entering a VAT number. For storefronts that depend on VAT validation for compliance or tax handling, this created gaps in required information.
This enhancement ensures VAT information can be made mandatory where needed.
What Was the Behaviour Before?
When EU VAT was enabled in Tax Settings, the VAT number field appeared during registration and within My Account. However, it was optional. Customers could leave the field empty and still successfully register or update their details.
For businesses that require VAT details for invoicing, reporting, or compliance purposes, this meant manual follow-up was often needed.
What Has Changed?
A new setting has been introduced within Tax Settings, called 'EU VAT Required' - visible only when EU VAT is enabled.
When this setting is activated:
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Customers cannot complete registration without entering a VAT number.
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Customers cannot update their account details in My Account without providing a VAT number.
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The VAT field is clearly marked as required.
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An error message appears if the form is submitted without a value.
This ensures VAT information is collected at the appropriate stage, without requiring additional manual checks.
It’s important to note that this validation applies only during customer registration and account updates. Once a customer has been created (via Admin or API), they are still able to place orders even if a VAT number was not previously captured.
Why This Change Is Beneficial
For storefronts operating within the EU, VAT compliance is often a mandatory requirement.
This update helps ensure required tax information is collected at the point of registration, reducing administrative overhead and improving data accuracy.
It also provides flexibility. Businesses that do not require VAT numbers can simply leave the setting disabled, maintaining the previous optional behaviour.
Configuration
To enable VAT number validation:
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Navigate to Tax Settings in Admin.
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Ensure EU VAT is enabled.
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Enable the new setting 'EU VAT Required' that requires VAT during registration and account updates.
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Save the changes.
Once enabled, the VAT field will display as required on:
If a customer attempts to submit either form without entering a VAT number, they will see a validation message and the form will not be processed.
What Customers Will Experience
On the registration page, the VAT number field will now be marked as required. If left empty and the form is submitted, a validation message will appear prompting the customer to enter a value.
The same behaviour applies within the My Account section when updating customer details.
Once a valid VAT number is entered, the form can be submitted as normal.
Troubleshooting
If customers are still able to register without a VAT number, confirm that:
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EU VAT is enabled in Tax Settings.
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The new “VAT Required” setting has been activated.
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The storefront cache has been refreshed if recent changes were made.
If the VAT field does not appear at all, verify that EU VAT is enabled. The required setting is only visible when EU VAT functionality is active.