In case of intra-Community supplies of goods (i.e. the supply of goods dispatched or transported to another EU Member State), suppliers need to prove the correct application of the 0% EU VAT rate, by providing (amongst others) the VAT identification number of their customers in a different EU Member State than in which the transport begins.
Validating VAT identification numbers however, can be a time-consuming process when done manually and even unrealistic depending on the amount and frequency of numbers to be checked. In addition, validating VAT identification numbers on a large scale outside the Oracle environment is challenging because it may provide less up-to-date proof, can take more time, and results in additional costs and risks (including exposure of confidential data of your customers).
Source: Deloitte
