---
title: Bahrain VAT Zero-Rated Supplies: System Configuration Requirements
url: https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-zero-rated-supplies/system-configuration/
updated: 2026-10-09
publisher: BAHRAIN ERP (part of Shyphan AI Solutions Pvt Ltd)
---

Compliance

# Bahrain VAT Zero-Rated Supplies: System Configuration Requirements

The configuration areas involved in setting up VAT zero-rated supplies in an ERP system.

Quick answer

VAT Zero-Rated Supplies requirements in Bahrain are set by the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR). In an ERP, this affects: zero-rated item flags, customer category, export or qualifying evidence, tax code mapping.
- Zero rating is applied only where your adviser confirms
- Evidence is kept with the transaction
- Reports separate zero-rated from exempt

This page is part of our Bahrain compliance series. Related topics: [VAT Registration](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-registration/), [VAT Invoice Fields](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-invoice-fields/). Apply them in [Zoho Books](https://www.erpbahrain.com/zoho/zoho-books/), [Odoo Accounting](https://www.erpbahrain.com/odoo/odoo-accounting/) or [ERPNext Accounting](https://www.erpbahrain.com/erpnext/erpnext-accounting/), and see [all compliance topics](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/).

Configuration

## What to Configure

Where each setting lives differs by platform, so we map it during the project.

**Configuration areas**
| Configuration area | Purpose |
| Zero-rated tax code | To be set per your confirmed requirements |
| Evidence attachment fields | To be set per your confirmed requirements |
| Report grouping | To be set per your confirmed requirements |
| Change approval | To be set per your confirmed requirements |

Records

## Records Involved

VAT Zero-Rated Supplies affects how records are captured, approved and reported in your ERP. The rules come from the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR); this page only describes how a system can be set up to support them.
- Zero-rated item flags
- Customer category
- Export or qualifying evidence
- Tax code mapping

Controls

## Controls and Evidence

**Controls and evidence**
| Control | Evidence to keep |
| Zero rating is applied only where your adviser confirms | Approval record, report or screenshot with date |
| Evidence is kept with the transaction | Approval record, report or screenshot with date |
| Reports separate zero-rated from exempt | Approval record, report or screenshot with date |
| Rule changes are approved | Approval record, report or screenshot with date |

Setup

## How to Set Up VAT Zero-Rated Supplies in an ERP

**Setup steps**
| Step | What to do |
| 1. Confirm | Confirm the current requirement for VAT zero-rated supplies with the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) |
| 2. Map records | Map zero-rated item flags, customer category, export or qualifying evidence to ERP fields |
| 3. Configure | Set up zero-rated tax code, evidence attachment fields, report grouping |
| 4. Add controls | Enable the controls above, with approvals and logging |
| 5. Test | Run the scenarios below with sample data and compare with expected results |
| 6. Document | Record settings, owners and the review rhythm, then train users |

Testing

## Test Scenarios Before Go-Live

**Test scenarios**
| Scenario to test | Expected result |
| Try to break this control: zero rating is applied only where your adviser confirms | The system blocks or flags it, and the attempt is logged |
| Try to break this control: evidence is kept with the transaction | The system blocks or flags it, and the attempt is logged |
| Try to break this control: reports separate zero-rated from exempt | The system blocks or flags it, and the attempt is logged |
| Try to break this control: rule changes are approved | The system blocks or flags it, and the attempt is logged |
| Run the process end to end with sample data | Reports reconcile with the transactions entered |

Avoid

## Common Mistakes

These are the mistakes we see most often when VAT zero-rated supplies is configured in an ERP system.
- Copying settings from another company without checking them
- Allowing manual journals or edits after the period is closed
- Leaving master data incomplete, then fixing it in reports
- No named owner for reviewing exceptions each month
- Not retesting after a system upgrade or rule change

FAQ

## Compliance Questions

- 
Where do these requirements come from?

From the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR). We confirm the current requirement before configuring your system.

- 
Who sets the rules for VAT zero-rated supplies?

The rules come from the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR). Always check current official sources.

- 
What records are involved in VAT zero-rated supplies?

Zero-rated item flags, Customer category, Export or qualifying evidence, Tax code mapping.

- 
Can BAHRAIN ERP configure our system once rules are confirmed?

Yes. We configure and test the system against the requirements your adviser confirms.

- 
Which records does VAT zero-rated supplies involve in an ERP?

Zero-rated item flags; Customer category; Export or qualifying evidence; Tax code mapping.

- 
Which ERP controls support VAT zero-rated supplies?

Zero rating is applied only where your adviser confirms; Evidence is kept with the transaction; Reports separate zero-rated from exempt; Rule changes are approved.

- 
Which ERP settings should be reviewed for VAT zero-rated supplies?

Zero-rated tax code; Evidence attachment fields; Report grouping; Change approval.

Have More Questions? Book A Free Consultation
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## Related Pages
- [VAT Zero-Rated Supplies guide](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-zero-rated-supplies/)
- [All compliance topics](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/)
- [Bahrain VAT Zero-Rated Supplies: ERP Control Checklist](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-zero-rated-supplies/erp-controls/)
- [Bahrain VAT Zero-Rated Supplies: Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.erpbahrain.com/compliance/vat-zero-rated-supplies/faq/)
