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| Decision field | Open accessEU VIES VAT Number ValidationEuropean UnionRemove | Free accountThreadloop Sewing Pattern DatabaseGlobalRemove | Open accessUK Textile Labelling GuidanceUnited Kingdom · Europe & MediterraneanRemove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision fit | |||
| Primary job | Check standards | Find patterns & fit | Check standards |
| Area | Standards | Patterns & fit | Standards |
| Best for | Checking an EU supplier's stated VAT number and saving the dated validation response as one identity and invoicing control | Searching current and out-of-print sewing patterns | Starting a Great Britain textile-label compliance check |
| Know before using | A valid VAT number is not proof of manufacturing capability, facility ownership, authorized bank instructions, product origin, tax advice, quality, capacity, certification, labor conditions, or delivery; names and addresses may not be returned for every country, and temporary database outages occur. | Community members add and quality-control the records, so confirm sizing, measurements, fabric suggestions, format, availability, errata, license, and purchase terms with the designer or publisher. Adding an entry to a stash does not provide the pattern files. Saved searches and private PDF storage are paid Plus features, and a listing or review does not establish pattern accuracy or fit. | The guide expressly excludes Northern Ireland and says only courts can authoritatively interpret the law. It is not the controlling legislation, an approved label, a product classification, or legal advice. Confirm current legislation and amendments, the exact product and exemptions, substantiated composition, responsible manufacturer or importer, online and physical presentation, and any other safety, chemicals, origin, care, or consumer-law duties. |
| Practical access | |||
| For | Apparel brands | Makers | Apparel brands |
| Location or jurisdiction | European Union | Global | United Kingdom · Europe & Mediterranean |
| Access | Open access | Free account | Open access |
| Format | Reference | Community | Reference |
| Source type | Official registry | Community database | Government guidance |
| Source and review | |||
| What the source establishes | VIES is the European Commission's online VAT Information Exchange System interface for querying national VAT databases to determine whether a submitted number is valid for intra-EU cross-border trade at the time of the request. | Threadloop's official guide describes an independent, fully crowdsourced database covering available and out-of-print sewing patterns. Its search supports pattern type, fabric type, age group, body type, cup size, level, format, file features, language, measurements, availability, and other filters; members can also track a stash, wishlist, projects, reviews, and discussions. | Business Companion's July 2026 guide covers England, Scotland, and Wales. It explains fibre-content labels under the Textile Products Regulations and assimilated Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, including permitted fibre names, products containing at least 80% textile fibres, components with different compositions, English-language and placement rules, non-textile animal-origin wording, and fibre information in catalogue and online sales. |
| Linked page reviewed | Jul 15, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 | Jul 21, 2026 |
| Next review due | Oct 13, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | Oct 19, 2026 |
| Inspect | |||
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