VAT checker in lock screen

Store Design

Topic summary

Goal: Implement a pre-store lock page that requires VAT (value-added tax) number validation before visitors can access a Shopify store or place orders.

Key requirements:

  • All visitors land on a gated page first.
  • VAT number must be validated (via VIES—EU VAT Information Exchange System—or an app like Exemptify).
  • Access is granted only after successful validation.
  • After validation, automatically tag the customer so future visits bypass the lock screen.

Constraints:

  • Shopify does not natively support using VAT validation as an access gate.

Asks:

  • Recommendations for an app that directly supports this workflow.
  • Guidance on combining a lock/gated-access app with a custom VAT validation form (VIES/Exemptify integration).
  • Examples or code snippets for building a pre-store VAT check page.

Status:

  • Inquiry seeking best practices and implementation options; no solutions or decisions yet. Discussion remains open.
Summarized with AI on December 12. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a way to create a lock-screen (gated access page) on my Shopify store where visitors must enter and validate their VAT number before they can access the website and place orders.

My requirements:

  • Visitors should first land on a locked page.

  • They must submit their VAT number for validation (via VIES or an app like Exemptify).

  • Only after a successful validation should they be able to enter the store.

  • Ideally, the system would automatically tag the customer after validation so the lock screen opens for them on future visits.

I know Shopify doesn’t natively support VAT validation as a gate, so I’m trying to figure out the best approach.
Does anyone know of:

  1. An app that supports this workflow, or

  2. A way to combine a lock-page/gated access app with a custom VAT validation form?

  3. Any examples or code snippets for building a pre-store VAT check page?

Any guidance, best practices, or app recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

1 Like
2

Hi avdb,

I’ve worked on similar setups before, and you’re right Shopify doesn’t natively support gating the entire store based on VAT validation. But there are a few ways you can achieve this:

Apps:

Exemptify can validate VAT numbers, but you’ll need to combine it with a custom landing page or gating mechanism.

Locksmith this app can restrict access to your store or certain pages. You can set rules for customer tags or other criteria.

Workflow Idea:

Use a custom “landing” page as the first page visitors see.

Add a VAT validation form that checks numbers via VIES or an app like Exemptify.

Upon successful validation, automatically tag the customer (you can do this with Shopify Flow if you’re on Shopify Plus, or via a custom script).

Then, redirect them to the main store. For future visits, the tagged customer bypasses the gate.

Custom Development:

If you’re comfortable with Liquid + JavaScript, you can build a lightweight pre-store validation page. On successful VAT validation, set a cookie or customer tag to allow future access.

This approach ensures only verified customers can enter while keeping the process smooth for returning buyers.

I can draft a step-by-step setup combining Locksmith + Exemptify that works for Shopify without breaking the bank.

3

avdb1997,

Shopify doesn’t support VAT validation as a gate by default, but there are a couple of workable approaches:

1. Use a gated-access/lock-page app + VAT validation app

Apps like Exemptify, B2B Login/Lock & Hide Price, or Locksmith can work together.

– Use the lock-page app to block the store

– Use Exemptify (or a custom form) to validate the VAT number via VIES

– After validation, tag the customer (e.g., vat_valid) and allow access based on that tag

2. Build a custom gated page

A developer can create:

– A custom landing page with a VAT input form

– A VIES API check

– Auto-tagging the customer on success

– A redirect into the store only when the tag exists

This setup gives a smooth flow: locked page → VAT check → validation → tag → full access.

If you already have a preferred locking app, it can usually be combined with a small custom script for the VAT check.

4

You can require customers to login before allowing access to your store.
Unless customer is logged in and has a tag, like “vat_validated”, they only able to access signup/login/validation pages.
Since you do not require granular access, this can be easily done with Liquid code and does not require an app.

Validation can be done by using Vies on-the-Web - European Commission REST API, and can either be done in visitors browser (faster, less secure), or via Flow app (free) (slower, more secure).

Data can then be submitted via Shopify Forms app (free) and stored in customer metafields. If validation is successful, the tag is assigned and the rest of the store is shown.