What causes the BR-21 error?

VAT category S (standard rate) must include the applicable percentage.

Add the VAT percentage for standard rate items. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.

Is BR-21 a critical error?

Yes, BR-21 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.

Can BR-21 be automatically fixed?

Many instances of BR-21 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including standard rate category must have percent.

Which accounting software causes BR-21?

BR-21 is commonly seen in exports from All invoicing software. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Error codes · EN 16931

BR-21Fixable here

Missing invoice line identifier

This is the rejection, word for word: „[BR-21] Each Invoice line shall have an Invoice line identifier (BT-126). This is a unique sequential number identifying each line item on the invoice.“

XPath: /Invoice/cac:InvoiceLine/cbc:ID. The line identifier is a simple sequential number (1, 2, 3...) used for referencing specific items in disputes or corrections.

What to have readyThe missing value from your purchase order, contract or bookkeeping.

What we doInvoice Navigator automatically fixes this issue by correcting the `cbc:ID` element in your Invoice.

Choose the rejected invoiceor drop it here

XRechnung XML or ZUGFeRD PDF. Checking is free · corrected file €1.90 · the first every 30 days is free · no sign-up.

If you enter it yourself in your invoicing software

Before

<cac:InvoiceLine>
  <!-- cbc:ID is missing -->
</cac:InvoiceLine>

After

<cac:InvoiceLine>
  <cbc:ID>valid-value</cbc:ID>
</cac:InvoiceLine>

What the finding looks likeExample

FindingValue missing · BR-21

Locationcac:InvoiceLine/cbc:ID

From youThe missing value

ThenPassed

ProofSHA-256 and /verify link after the check

Often appears together with

BR-19The Seller tax representative postal address (BG-12) shall be provided in...BR-S-08Standard rated VAT amount doesn't add up