SEPA direct debit mandate required in Germany

This is the rejection, word for word: „[BR-DE-29] SEPA direct debit requires mandate reference.“

Why this matters in Germany

Germany requires e-invoicing using XRechnung (UBL), XRechnung (CII), ZUGFeRD 2.x. An invoice with this error is rejected; it cannot be processed under Germany's rules.

SEPA DD requires mandate authorization.

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

What we doAdd PaymentMandate/ID with SEPA mandate reference.

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.

How to fix BR-DE-29

01Check payment codeIf PaymentMeansCode is 59

02Add mandatePaymentMandate/ID with reference number

Germany e-invoicing requirements

Phase	Status	Scope
B2G	Live (Nov 2020)	All federal suppliers
B2B receiving	Live (Jan 2025)	All German businesses
B2B sending	Jan 2027	>€800K annual revenue
B2B sending	Jan 2028	All businesses

Known causes

Code 59 without mandate

Read on

BR-DE-29, the full explanation →Germany e-invoicing guide →All Germany error codes →