erroren16931

BR-CL-21:Invalid VAT exemption reason code

TaxExemptionReasonCode must be from VATEX list.

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Auto-fix: Detect product code format and assign ICD. 13-digit→0160 (GTIN), ISBN format→assign ISBN ICD. Map EAN/GTIN variations.

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. Product identifiers must be properly schemed for matching.

How to Fix It

1

Check exemption code

TaxExemptionReasonCode value

2

Use VATEX format

VATEX-EU-79-C, VATEX-EU-AE, VATEX-EU-G, VATEX-EU-IC, VATEX-EU-O

Technical Details

XPath: //cac:TaxCategory/cbc:TaxExemptionReasonCode

Common Causes

  • Item standard ID schemeID not from ISO 6523 ICD list
  • GTIN/EAN schemeID uses wrong identifier (should be 0160)
  • Custom product ID scheme not in ICD list
  • SchemeID format incorrect for standard item identifier
  • Product code scheme not mapped to ISO 6523

Frequently Asked Questions

TaxExemptionReasonCode must be from VATEX list.
Use valid VATEX code like VATEX-EU-AE, VATEX-EU-G, etc. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-CL-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.
Many instances of BR-CL-21 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including invalid vat exemption reason code.

See Also

EN 16931 Validator

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Related Errors

BR-AE-07

Document level charge with reverse charge must have 0% VAT rate

BR-E-07

Exempt requires exemption reason

BR-O-06

Out of scope requires reason

Last updated: 16 January 2026

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