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BR-DE-01:Invalid Leitweg-ID Format

German B2G (Business-to-Government) invoices require a valid Leitweg-ID in the Buyer Reference field (BT-10). The Leitweg-ID is a routing identifier that directs your invoice to the correct government department.

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NEEDS INPUT

Requires user input: Leitweg-ID from the purchase order or contract. Format is typically like 04011000-1234512345-12. Cannot be auto-generated.

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected by German public sector. Cannot be delivered without the Leitweg-ID routing code.

How to Fix It

1

Obtain Leitweg-ID

Request the Leitweg-ID from your German public sector customer. This is typically provided on the purchase order or contract.

2

Enter Leitweg-ID

Enter the ID in format: XX-XXXXX-XX (e.g., 04011000-12345-12)

3

Verify format

The format should be: 2-12 digits, dash, 1-30 digits, dash, 2 digits

Before & After Fix(BR-DE-01)

Before (Invalid)
<cbc:BuyerReference></cbc:BuyerReference>
After (Valid)
<cbc:BuyerReference>04011000-12345-12</cbc:BuyerReference>

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

Code Example

<cbc:BuyerReference>04011000-12345-67</cbc:BuyerReference>

Technical Details

XPath: /Invoice/cbc:BuyerReference

Common Causes

  • XRechnung invoice missing Leitweg-ID (routing ID)
  • BT-10 Buyer reference not populated with Leitweg-ID
  • German public sector invoice without routing identifier
  • Leitweg-ID not configured for recipient authority
  • Export template missing German routing ID field

Common Causes by Software

SAP

Why this happens

Leitweg-ID not mapped from customer master

How to fix it

Add Leitweg-ID field to customer master and map in output determination

Where to find it

XD02 → Custom fields → Leitweg-ID

DATEV

Why this happens

Auftrags-/Lieferantennummer field empty

How to fix it

Enter Leitweg-ID in document header additional fields

Where to find it

Buchführung → Belege → Zusatzfelder

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Why this happens

XRechnung buyer reference field not configured

How to fix it

Configure BuyerReference field in e-invoice configuration

Where to find it

Accounts receivable → Setup → Electronic invoicing

Using a different software?

Validate your invoice to get specific fix guidance.

Validate Your Invoice

Commonly Seen In

SAP →DATEV →LexwareSage →

Frequently Asked Questions

For German B2G invoices, a buyer reference (Leitweg-ID) is mandatory. This is the routing ID used by German public sector buyers.
Add the Leitweg-ID provided by your public sector customer. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-DE-01 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-DE-01 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including missing buyer reference (leitweg-id).
BR-DE-01 is commonly seen in exports from SAP, DATEV, Lexware, Sage. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Related Errors

BR-DE-02

Payment terms text recommended

BR-DE-03

German VAT ID required

Last updated: 17 January 2026

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