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BR-04:Missing invoice type code

An Invoice shall have an Invoice type code (BT-3). The most common value is 380 for a standard commercial invoice.

We can fix this automatically

AUTO-FIX

Auto-fix: Default to type code "380" (standard invoice) unless the document appears to be a credit note (negative amounts). Can also derive from document structure if credit note indicators are present.

No manual changes needed
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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. Receiver cannot determine how to process the document (as payment request vs. credit).

How to Fix It

1

Determine document type

Is this a standard invoice (380), credit note (381), or other type?

2

Add InvoiceTypeCode

Insert <cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>380</cbc:InvoiceTypeCode> after IssueDate

3

Verify position

InvoiceTypeCode must come after IssueDate and before DocumentCurrencyCode

Before & After Fix(BR-04)

Before (Invalid)
<cbc:InvoiceTypeCode></cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>
After (Valid)
<cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>380</cbc:InvoiceTypeCode>

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

Code Example

<cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode>EUR</cbc:DocumentCurrencyCode>

Technical Details

XPath: /Invoice/cbc:InvoiceTypeCode. Common values: 380 (Commercial invoice), 381 (Credit note), 384 (Corrected invoice), 389 (Self-billed invoice), 751 (Invoice information).

Common Causes

  • Invoice type code (380/381/etc) not mapped in export
  • Source system doesn't distinguish between invoice types
  • Template using wrong field for InvoiceTypeCode
  • Credit note exported without type code change
  • Default type code not configured in export settings

Commonly Seen In

All invoicing software

Frequently Asked Questions

The invoice must specify the document currency using an ISO 4217 three-letter code.
Add the correct three-letter ISO currency code. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-04 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-04 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 a currency code.
BR-04 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-03

Invoice must have an issue date

BR-05

Missing document currency code

Last updated: 16 January 2026

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