3738704 - AR190 or AR196 when entering UK VAT number with Tax Category GB0 in Manage Supplier/Customer Master Data apps

When maintaining the VAT number for a customer or supplier from the UK with Tax Category GB0 in “Manage Supplier Master Data” or “Manage Customer Master Data”, validation errors occur.

• AR190 – "VAT registration number is invalid"
• AR196 – "VAT registration number contains invalid characters"

SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition

1. Access the system.
2. Navigate to Manage Supplier Master Data or Manage Customer Master Data.
3. Select a business partner with Tax Category GB0 and enter a GB VAT number.
4. Save or validate the entry and observe error AR190 or AR196.

The system validates GB VAT numbers using the official check-digit algorithms: the established modulus‑97 scheme (for 9- and 12‑digit numbers) and the alternative “9755” scheme for newer registrations

The entered GB VAT number does not pass the required check-digit validation and/or contains non-permitted characters, resulting in AR190 or AR196.

1. Verify the GB VAT number using the official checker: Check a UK VAT number - GOV.UK.
2. Correct the VAT number so that it conforms to HMRC rules (valid GB VAT format and check digits per modulus‑97/“9755”) and passes the verification.
3. Ensure only permitted characters are used and remove spaces or separators to avoid “contains invalid characters” (AR196).

• Refer to: SAP Community - Validation of UK VAT ID in SAP - Community discussion
• Refer to: Check a UK VAT number - GOV.UK

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