Although the European VIES database is the main tool used by businesses in the EU to check VAT identification numbers, the information contained in the database is not always up-to-date or complete. Many businesses prefer to use their national portals to obtain more reliable information.
For example, in Germany, businesses check VAT numbers using the "USt-IdNr-Prüfung" service provided by the Federal Central Tax Office of Germany (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern).
However, overall, the VIES database is widely recognized as a reliable source for checking VAT identification numbers in the EU, and businesses are recommended to use it whenever possible.