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BR-CO-21:Document allowance reason required

Each Document level allowance (BG-20) shall contain a Document level allowance reason (BT-97) or a Document level allowance reason code (BT-98), or both.

We can fix this automatically

AUTO-FIX

Add default reason code "95" (Discount) when no reason is provided. This is the standard catch-all discount code from UNCL-5189.

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. Buyers must understand what discounts are for.

How to Fix It

1

Add reason code

Add AllowanceChargeReasonCode (BT-98) with a valid UNCL-5189 code like 95 (Discount)

2

Or add reason text

Alternatively, add AllowanceChargeReason (BT-97) with descriptive text

3

Verify placement

Ensure reason is within the same AllowanceCharge element at document level

Technical Details

When cac:AllowanceCharge with ChargeIndicator=false exists at document level, either cbc:AllowanceChargeReason (BT-97) or cbc:AllowanceChargeReasonCode (BT-98) must be provided.

Common Causes

  • Document allowance has no reason text or code
  • AllowanceCharge missing both reason and reasonCode
  • Discount added without explanation
  • Template missing allowance reason fields
  • Generic allowance applied without categorization

Frequently Asked Questions

BR-CO-21 occurs when a document level allowance (discount) exists but has no reason code (BT-98) or reason text (BT-97) explaining what the allowance is for.
Add either AllowanceChargeReasonCode with a valid UNCL-5189 code (e.g., 95 for Discount) or AllowanceChargeReason with descriptive text. Invoice Navigator can fix this automatically.
Yes, BR-CO-21 is a business rule violation that will cause invoice rejection. Buyers need to understand what discounts are being applied.
Yes! Invoice Navigator automatically adds the default reason code 95 (Discount) when no reason is provided. This is the standard catch-all discount code from UNCL-5189.

See Also

Related Errors

Last updated: 17 January 2026

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