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BR-44:Invoice line charge reason required

An invoice line charge (BG-28) is missing both a reason text and reason code. At least one must be provided to explain this line surcharge.

We can fix this automatically

AUTO-FIX

Auto-fix: Add default reason code "AAA" (Service charge) or reason text "Service charge". Generic but valid reason.

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. Each charge must be explained for buyer verification.

How to Fix It

1

Find line charge

Locate the cac:AllowanceCharge with ChargeIndicator=true within cac:InvoiceLine that is missing reason

2

Add reason code

Insert <cbc:AllowanceChargeReasonCode>SAA</cbc:AllowanceChargeReasonCode> (SAA = Shipping and handling)

3

Or add reason text

Alternatively add <cbc:AllowanceChargeReason>Service charge</cbc:AllowanceChargeReason>

Code Example

<cac:AdditionalDocumentReference>
  <cbc:ID>DOC-001</cbc:ID>
  <cbc:DocumentDescription>Technical specifications</cbc:DocumentDescription>
  <cac:Attachment>
    <cbc:EmbeddedDocumentBinaryObject mimeCode="application/pdf" filename="specs.pdf">
      <!-- Base64 content -->
    </cbc:EmbeddedDocumentBinaryObject>
  </cac:Attachment>
</cac:AdditionalDocumentReference>

Technical Details

XPath: /Invoice/cac:InvoiceLine/cac:AllowanceCharge[cbc:ChargeIndicator='true']/cbc:AllowanceChargeReasonCode or cbc:AllowanceChargeReason. Code SAA = Shipping and handling (UNCL7161).

Common Causes

  • Line charge missing reason text or code
  • Neither ChargeReason nor ReasonCode provided
  • Line surcharge applied without categorization
  • Template missing line charge reason field
  • Reason not required in source line item charge

Commonly Seen In

All invoicing software

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional document references should include a description.
Add description to document attachments. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
BR-44 is a warning that may not always cause rejection, but it indicates a potential compliance issue that should be addressed to ensure full compatibility.
Many instances of BR-44 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including attachment should have description.
BR-44 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-01

Invoice must have specification identifier

BR-35

Credit note must reference original invoice

Last updated: 16 January 2026

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