English text status

English translation published by the NBR in its bilingual Regulations file (marked unofficial). The Arabic text published in the Official Gazette remains the legal reference in the event of any discrepancy.

Practical summary

Exports outside the Implementing States and Supplies into or within a customs suspension regime are zero-rated only where Goods actually move within 90 days, are moved by or for Supplier or Customer, are not used, changed or supplied to a third party in Bahrain before movement except export preparation, and are supported by customs, commercial and transport evidence. Without proof, the NBR may refuse zero rating.

Who should read this?

Exporters, manufacturers, traders, brokers and sales and logistics teams.

Why does it matter?

Export intention or a foreign Customer address is insufficient. Zero rating depends on timely actual movement and a matching evidence chain; otherwise Output VAT exposure remains with the Supplier.

Actual movement within 90 daysNo local use or onward SupplyCustoms, commercial and transport evidence

Current text

A. Tax shall be imposed at the zero rate on an export of Goods to outside the territory of the Implementing States or on a Supply of Goods to or within a customs duty suspension regime if all of the following conditions are met: 1. The Goods are actually transferred to a place outside the Implementing States or are supplied to or within a customs duty suspension regime within ninety days from their date of Supply. 2. The Goods shall be exported, or supplied to or within a customs duty suspension regime, by the Taxable Person or directly by the Customer or on their behalf. ( 3. The Goods have not been changed or used in the Kingdom or supplied to a third Person between their date of Supply and the date of transferring them outside the Implementing States or to or within a customs duty.) suspension regime. This does not include the necessary work to prepare the Goods for export. 4. The Taxable Person shall maintain commercial and official documents evidencing the transfer to outside the Implementing States or to or within a customs suspension regime. B. Documents evidencing the export or Supply of Goods to or within a customs duty suspension regime shall include: 1. Documents issued by Customs Affairs at the Ministry of the Interior that confirm the export or Supply to or within a customs duty suspension regime. 2. Commercial documents which show the identity of the Supplier, the Customer, the place of delivery of the Goods and their destination, including the bill of lading, the airway bill, certificate of shipment and other related documents. 3. Transportation documents indicating the delivery or receipt of Goods outside the Territory of the Implementing States. C. In the event that the export or Supply to or within a customs duty suspension regime is not evidenced, the Bureau may refuse to treat the Supply as taxable at zero percent.

Prove export before zero rating

  1. 1

    Record Supply date and the 90-day endpoint.

  2. 2

    Confirm actual export or customs suspension movement.

  3. 3

    Identify who moved the Goods.

  4. 4

    Confirm no local use, change or third-party Supply except export preparation.

  5. 5

    Match customs documents to invoice, Customer and destination.

  6. 6

    Retain bill of lading, airway bill and delivery evidence.

  7. 7

    Correct treatment if export cannot be evidenced.

Connected provisions

Official guides and tools

Connected Madar tools

Illustrative example by Madar

Goods left after day 90

A Supplier invoices exported Goods at zero rate, but they remain in its warehouse and leave on day 95. A foreign contract and later shipping document do not remove the 90-day condition; zero rating is at risk unless another legal basis applies.

Questions to help you apply it

  • When were Supply and movement?
  • Was movement within 90 days?
  • Were Goods used or changed locally?
  • Do customs, commercial and transport documents match?