VAT ID number validation requirement
In order to sell goods on the Kaufland marketplaces, it is mandatory to add valid tax information in the Seller Portal. Active participation in selling requires positive validation of the following information:
- Head office: It is mandatory to provide the valid VAT ID number of your company’s registered office.
- Local storefronts: For each individual marketplace (e.g. Kaufland.de, Kaufland.cz), either a local VAT ID number for the respective country or – for EU sellers – the corresponding OSS (One-Stop Shop) registration must be added.
A valid VAT ID number is required to sell on all Kaufland marketplaces. Apply the settings in the Seller Portal in your tax information.
How are VAT ID numbers verified?
To ensure tax compliance on the marketplace, the system automatically validates all VAT ID numbers that have been added. These regular review cycles ensure that your data remains up to date and valid at all times.
Verification is carried out using two different testing procedures. Your VAT ID number will only be recognised as valid once both procedures have yielded a positive result.
1. Simple validation (VIES)
The system of the European Commission (VIES) is used to check whether your VAT ID number is generally valid in the respective country of issue at the time of the query.
2. Qualified validation (BZSt)
This is a detailed examination by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt). This involves checking whether the information in your legal notice matches exactly with the data in your tax registration and the master data in the Seller Portal.
Status: Invalid VAT ID number
If the VAT ID number on file cannot be validated, you will be automatically notified by the system. This is often due to typos, outdated information or the number not having been activated by the tax office.
| Status: | Possible impact: | Your next steps: |
| VAT ID number invalid | After 14 days without correction, your offers on the affected marketplaces will be automatically hidden by the system. | 1. Verify: Compare your company data on file in the Seller Portal with your official documents. 2. Update: Enter a correct, valid VAT ID number in your tax information in the Seller Portal to restart the validation process. 3. Problem not solved: If your number is correct, please contact your national tax office to clarify whether your VAT number is activated for cross-border checks (VIES/BZSt). |
Status: Offers deactivated
If no VAT ID number can be validated within the set period of 14 days, your offers will be temporarily deactivated.
| Status: | Possible impact: | Your next steps: |
| Offers hidden | Your offers are not visible. | 1. Correction: Please enter a new, valid VAT ID number in your tax information in the Seller Portal. 2. Automatic activation: Once the new VAT ID number has been successfully validated, your offers will automatically reappear and be visible to customers. |
Status: Your offers have been reactivated.
| Status: | Possible impact: | Your next steps: |
| Successfully reactivated | None | Your VAT ID number has been successfully validated and your offers are visible again on the affected marketplace. No further action required. Stay proactive: Keep your company data and VAT ID number up to date to ensure the continuous visibility of your offers. |
Do you have any questions or need help? Our Seller Support will be happy to assist you.