vat_checker_cache

VAT Checker with VIES Cache is a PrestaShop module that automates EU VAT number validation using the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) service. When a customer provides a valid VAT number, the module automatically sets them as VAT-exempt, removing VAT from their orders without manual intervention. It operates without using any PrestaShop core overrides.

• VIES response caching: Validated VAT data is cached locally for up to one week (configurable), so repeat lookups do not require a new query to the VIES service — improving performance and reducing external dependency.
• Company name and address verification: Optionally checks that the company name and/or address associated with a VAT number match the customer's input. Requires the php-intl extension; matching sensitivity is adjustable in the back office.
• Force no-VAT customer table: Adds a dedicated table in the Customers tab in the back office listing customers who have been granted VAT exemption.
• Checkout re-validation: Can re-check VAT numbers at every checkout step to prevent customers from changing VAT data after initial validation.

This module is intended for B2B-focused PrestaShop stores that sell to EU businesses and need to handle intra-community VAT exemption correctly. It is particularly useful for stores with a significant proportion of business customers across multiple EU countries. The php-soap extension is required; php-intl and pecl-APCu are optional but recommended for address/name checking and optimal performance respectively.