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BR-03:Invoice must have an issue date

Every invoice must contain an issue date indicating when the invoice was created.

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NEEDS INPUT

Requires user input: Issue date in YYYY-MM-DD format. Cannot auto-generate because the issue date has legal and accounting implications that only the sender can determine.

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. Issue date is required for tax reporting, payment terms calculation, and legal validity.

How to Fix It

1

Determine issue date

This is typically the date the invoice is generated or sent

2

Format correctly

Use ISO 8601 format: YYYY-MM-DD

3

Add to invoice

Insert the IssueDate element in the invoice header

Before & After Fix(BR-03)

Before (Invalid)
<cbc:IssueDate></cbc:IssueDate>
After (Valid)
<cbc:IssueDate>2026-01-15</cbc:IssueDate>

Compare the invalid XML structure with the corrected version. The fix ensures compliance with validation rules.

Code Example

<cbc:IssueDate>2024-12-19</cbc:IssueDate>

Technical Details

XPath: /Invoice/cbc:IssueDate

Common Causes

  • Issue date field left empty in source accounting system
  • Export occurred before invoice date was finalized
  • Date format incompatible caused field to be skipped
  • Template mapping pointing to wrong date field
  • Backdated invoice with date validation failure

Commonly Seen In

All invoicing software

Frequently Asked Questions

Every invoice must contain an issue date indicating when the invoice was created.
Add the issue date in YYYY-MM-DD format. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-03 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted by the recipient's system.
Many instances of BR-03 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including invoice must have an issue date.
BR-03 is commonly seen in exports from All invoicing software. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Related Errors

BR-02

Invoice must have an invoice number

BR-04

Missing invoice type code

Last updated: 18 January 2026

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