Business Rules Errors
EN 16931 semantic validation errors (BR-xx codes) that enforce invoice content requirements like mandatory fields, VAT calculations, and document totals.
100 errors documented
BR-03EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice must have an issue date
Every invoice must contain an issue date indicating when the invoice was created.
BR-04EN 16931AUTO-FIXMissing invoice type code
An Invoice shall have an Invoice type code (BT-3). The most common value is 380 for a standard commercial invoice.
BR-53EN 16931BLOCKEDVAT amount in accounting currency is missing
Your invoice declares a tax accounting currency (different from the invoice currency), but the total VAT amount in that accounting currency is not provided. When using a separate tax currency, you must include the VAT total in both currencies.
BR-17EN 16931INPUTInvoice line item name required
Each invoice line must have an item name describing what is being invoiced.
BR-19EN 16931INPUTThe Seller tax representative postal address (BG-12) shall be provided in...
The Seller tax representative postal address (BG-12) shall be provided in the Invoice, if the Seller (BG-4) has a Seller tax representative party (BG-11). This applies to the `cac:PostalAddress` element in the invoice XML.
BR-20EN 16931INPUTThe Seller tax representative postal address (BG-12) shall contain a Tax...
The Seller tax representative postal address (BG-12) shall contain a Tax representative country code (BT-69), if the Seller (BG-4) has a Seller tax representative party (BG-11). This applies to the `cac:PostalAddress` element in the invoice XML.
KSEF-440PLksefBLOCKEDKSeF Duplicate Invoice Rejection (HTTP 440)
The KSeF system rejected your invoice because it detected a duplicate submission. KSeF checks the combination of seller NIP, invoice number, and invoice date against all invoices submitted in the last 10 years. If a match is found, the API returns HTTP status 440 and the invoice is not accepted.
BR-22EN 16931INPUTInvoice currency code required
The invoice must specify the document currency using ISO 4217 alpha-3 code.
BR-25EN 16931INPUTInvoice line item name required
Each Invoice line shall contain the Item name (BT-153). This describes the goods or services being invoiced.
BR-24EN 16931BLOCKEDAmount currency must match document currency
Each Invoice line (BG-25) shall have an Invoice line net amount (BT-131).. Check the `cbc:LineExtensionAmount` element in your invoice XML.
BR-45EN 16931BLOCKEDEach VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall have a VAT category taxable amount (BT-116).
Each VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall have a VAT category taxable amount (BT-116).. Check the `cac:TaxSubtotal` element in your invoice XML.
BR-18EN 16931INPUTInvoice line price required
Each invoice line must have a price amount (item net price).
PEPPOL-EN16931-R040EN 16931AUTO-FIXDiscount or surcharge amount doesn't match the calculation
A discount or surcharge amount does not match its base amount multiplied by the percentage. When all three values are provided (amount, base amount, and percentage), they must be consistent: amount = base amount × percentage ÷ 100.
PEPPOL-EN16931-R061Peppol BIS 3.0INPUTMissing direct debit mandate reference
When payment is by direct debit (SEPA or other), the invoice must include the mandate reference number. This is the unique identifier of the agreement that authorizes the seller to collect payment from the buyer's bank account.
BR-CO-18EN 16931INPUTAn Invoice shall at least have one VAT breakdown group (BG-23)
An Invoice shall at least have one VAT breakdown group (BG-23). This applies to the `cac:TaxSubtotal` element in the invoice XML.
BR-21EN 16931AUTO-FIXMissing invoice line identifier
Each Invoice line shall have an Invoice line identifier (BT-126). This is a unique sequential number identifying each line item on the invoice.
BR-CL-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice note has an invalid subject code
One of the notes on your invoice uses a subject code that is not in the official UN/CEFACT code list (UNCL 4451). The subject code indicates the type of note — for example, general information, regulatory, or surcharge.
BR-13EN 16931BLOCKEDInvoice total without VAT required
The invoice must state the amount due for payment (PayableAmount).
BR-G-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts...
The taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts minus allowances plus charges for this category.
BR-G-09EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe tax amount for this VAT category must be 0 (zero). This category does...
The tax amount for this VAT category must be 0 (zero). This category does not generate tax.
BR-G-10EN 16931AUTO-FIXThis VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why...
This VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why no tax is charged (applies to `cac:TaxSubtotal`, rule BR-G-10).
BR-IC-05EN 16931AUTO-FIXWhen using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category...
When using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category does not have a positive tax rate (applies to `cac:InvoiceLine`, rule BR-IC-05).
BR-IC-09EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe tax amount for this VAT category must be 0 (zero). This category does...
The tax amount for this VAT category must be 0 (zero). This category does not generate tax (applies to `cbc:TaxAmount`, rule BR-IC-09).
BR-29EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice period end date before start date
The Invoicing Period End Date (BT-74) is before the Start Date (BT-73). The end date must be on or after the start date.
BR-32EN 16931AUTO-FIXEach Document level allowance (BG-20) shall have a Document level allowance...
Each Document level allowance (BG-20) shall have a Document level allowance VAT category code (BT-95). Check the `cac:AllowanceCharge` element in your invoice XML.
BR-33EN 16931AUTO-FIXDocument level allowance reason required
A document level allowance (discount) is missing both a reason text (BT-97) and reason code (BT-98). At least one must be provided to explain why this discount exists.
BR-O-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts...
The taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts minus allowances plus charges for this category (applies to `cac:TaxSubtotal`, rule BR-O-08).
BR-38EN 16931AUTO-FIXDocument level charge reason required
A document level charge is missing both a reason text (BT-104) and reason code (BT-105). At least one must be provided to explain what this charge is for.
DE-R-008DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXThe element "Buyer city" (BT-52) shall be provided.
Buyer city is missing. German invoices must include the buyer's city in the address (BT-52).
BR-44EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice 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.
BR-CO-15EN 16931AUTO-FIXTax exclusive amount calculation error
Invoice total amount with VAT (BT-112) = Invoice total amount without VAT (BT-109) + Invoice total VAT amount (BT-110).. This applies to the `cbc:TaxInclusiveAmount` element in the invoice XML.
BR-47EN 16931AUTO-FIXLine allowance amount required
Line-level AllowanceCharge must include the Amount element.
BR-CL-16EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvalid payment means code
The payment means code must be a valid code from the UNTDID 4461 code list. Common codes: 10 (Cash), 30 (Credit transfer), 48 (Bank card), 49 (Direct debit), 58 (SEPA credit transfer), 59 (SEPA direct debit).
BR-CL-17EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice tax categories MUST be coded using UNCL5305 code list
A VAT Category Code is not a valid UNCL5305 code. Valid codes: S=standard, Z=zero, E=exempt, AE=reverse charge, K=intra-community.
BR-CL-26EN 16931AUTO-FIXDelivery location identifier scheme identifier MUST belong to the ISO 6523...
A Delivery Location Identifier scheme is not a valid ISO 6523 ICD code. Location identifiers need proper scheme codes.
BR-CL-23EN 16931AUTO-FIXUnit code MUST be coded according to the UN/ECE Recommendation 20 with Rec...
A Unit of Measure Code is not a valid UN/ECE Rec 20/21 code. Common codes: C62=unit, HUR=hour, KGM=kilogram, MTR=meter.
BR-AF-01EN 16931BLOCKEDWhen an invoice contains items, allowances, or charges with VAT category...
When an invoice contains items, allowances, or charges with VAT category "IGIC" (Canary Islands indirect tax), the VAT breakdown must include at least one entry with the IGIC VAT category code.
CII-SR-462cii-d16bINPUTOnly one DueDateTypeCode may be present across all tax breakdown entries
CII-SR-462 is a fatal EN 16931 syntax rule on the CII binding. It asserts that across every ram:ApplicableTradeTax block in the document, either no ram:DueDateTypeCode is present, or every DueDateTypeCode carries the same value. The XPath test is count(//ram:ApplicableTradeTax/ram:DueDateTypeCode)=0 or count(distinct-values(//ram:ApplicableTradeTax/ram:DueDateTypeCode))=1.
BR-55EN 16931INPUTPrepayment should reference prepayment invoice
When PrepaidAmount is used, reference the prepayment invoice.
BR-62EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe Seller electronic address (BT-34) shall have a Scheme identifier.
The Seller Electronic Address (BT-34) is missing its Scheme Identifier. What type of address is this (PEPPOL ID, GLN, email)?
BR-64EN 16931AUTO-FIXItem standard identifier needs scheme
If item has standard identifier, scheme must be specified.
BR-65EN 16931AUTO-FIXBuyer item identifier should be unique
The Item classification identifier (BT-158) shall have a Scheme identifier.
BR-DEC-03en16931BLOCKEDDocument charge: max 2 decimals
Document level charge amount allows max 2 decimal places.
BR-66EN 16931AUTO-FIXAn Invoice shall contain maximum one Payment Card account (BG-18).
The invoice contains multiple Payment Card accounts (BG-18). Only one card payment method is allowed per invoice.
BR-IC-08EN 16931BLOCKEDThe taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts...
The taxable amount for this VAT category must equal the sum of line amounts minus allowances plus charges for this category (applies to `cac:TaxSubtotal`, rule BR-IC-08).
BR-O-11EN 16931BLOCKEDMixed VAT categories with "Not subject to VAT". When using VAT category O...
Mixed VAT categories with "Not subject to VAT". When using VAT category O (Not subject to VAT), no other VAT categories are allowed on the invoice.
BR-O-13EN 16931BLOCKEDInconsistent allowance VAT with "Not subject to VAT". Document allowances...
Inconsistent allowance VAT with "Not subject to VAT". Document allowances must use VAT category O when the invoice uses "Not subject to VAT".
BR-67EN 16931AUTO-FIXAn Invoice shall contain maximum one Payment Mandate (BG-19).
The invoice contains multiple Payment Mandates (BG-19). Only one direct debit mandate is allowed per invoice.
BR-DEC-11EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Sum of charges on document...
The sum of document level charges has too many decimal places. This total must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-13EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice total VAT amount...
The invoice total VAT amount has too many decimal places. The total tax amount must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-14EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice total amount with VAT...
The invoice total amount with VAT (tax inclusive amount) has too many decimal places. This grand total must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-24EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice line allowance amount...
The invoice line allowance amount has too many decimal places. Line-level allowance amounts must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-25EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice line allowance base...
The invoice line allowance base amount has too many decimal places. The base amount for calculating line allowances must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-27EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice line charge amount...
The invoice line charge amount has too many decimal places. Line-level charge amounts must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
BR-DEC-28EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe allowed maximum number of decimals for the Invoice line charge base...
The invoice line charge base amount has too many decimal places. The base amount for calculating line charges must have a maximum of 2 decimal places.
DE-R-016DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXVAT identifier is missing. German invoices using VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K,...
VAT identifier is missing. German invoices using VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M must include either Seller VAT ID (BT-31), Tax registration ID (BT-32), or Tax Representative.
DE-R-017DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXInvalid invoice type code. German invoices only allow specific type codes:...
Invalid invoice type code. German invoices only allow specific type codes: 326 (partial), 380 (commercial), 384 (corrected), 389 (self-billed), 381 (credit note), 875-877 (construction).
DE-R-019DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXInvalid IBAN format. When payment means code 58 (SEPA credit transfer) is...
Invalid IBAN format. When payment means code 58 (SEPA credit transfer) is used, the payment account (BT-84) must contain a valid IBAN.
BR-AE-06EN 16931AUTO-FIXDocument level allowance with reverse charge must have 0% VAT rate
When a document level allowance uses the reverse charge VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0%. Allowances in reverse charge scenarios follow the same zero-rate rule.
DE-R-020DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXDebited account identifier (BT-91) should contain a valid IBAN if code 59...
Invalid debit IBAN format. When payment means code 59 (SEPA direct debit) is used, the debited account (BT-91) must contain a valid IBAN.
DE-R-024-1DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXPayment card details missing. When payment code 48, 54, or 55 (payment card)...
Payment card details missing. When payment code 48, 54, or 55 (payment card) is used, the Payment Card Information group (BG-18) must be provided.
PEPPOL-EN16931-R004EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe specification identifier must be exactly...
The specification identifier must be exactly "urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017#compliant#urn:fdc:peppol.eu:2017:poacc:billing:3.0". This identifies the invoice as PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0 compliant.
PEPPOL-EN16931-R100EN 16931AUTO-FIXOnly one invoiced object is allowed pr line
Only one invoiced object identifier is allowed per invoice line. Each line can reference at most one object (contract, order, etc.).
PEPPOL-EN16931-R110EN 16931AUTO-FIXStart date of line period MUST be within invoice period.
The start date of a line period must fall within the invoice period. Line periods cannot extend before the overall invoice period begins.
BR-AG-06EN 16931AUTO-FIXIPSI document level allowance VAT rate must be 0% or positive
When a document level allowance uses the IPSI VAT category (M for Ceuta/Melilla indirect tax), the VAT rate must be 0 or greater than zero.
PEPPOL-EN16931-CL008EN 16931AUTO-FIXElectronic address identifier scheme must be from the codelist "Electronic...
The electronic address identifier scheme must be from the PEPPOL Electronic Address Identifier Scheme codelist. This identifies what type of endpoint ID is being used (GLN, PEPPOL ID, etc.).
BR-AG-07EN 16931AUTO-FIXIPSI document level charge VAT rate must be 0% or positive
When a document level charge uses the IPSI VAT category (M for Ceuta/Melilla indirect tax), the VAT rate must be 0 or greater than zero.
BR-AG-09EN 16931AUTO-FIXIPSI VAT breakdown tax amount must be calculated correctly
The tax amount for the IPSI VAT category in the VAT breakdown must be calculated based on the taxable amount and rate.
UBL-SR-44EN 16931AUTO-FIXAn Invoice may only have one unique PaymentID, but the PaymentID may be used...
Your invoice has multiple different PaymentID values across PaymentMeans elements. EN16931 allows only one unique payment reference value, though it can be repeated across multiple payment means.
DE-R-031DEUEN 16931AUTO-FIXIf the group "DIRECT DEBIT" (BG-19) is delivered, the element "Debited...
Debited account missing. When direct debit (BG-19) is used, the debited account identifier (BT-91) containing the buyer's IBAN is required.
BR-AG-10EN 16931AUTO-FIXIPSI VAT breakdown must NOT have exemption reason
An IPSI VAT breakdown must NOT have a VAT exemption reason code or text. IPSI is a positive tax (like standard VAT), so exemption reasons are not applicable.
PEPPOL-EN16931-P0112EN 16931AUTO-FIXInvoice type code 326 or 384 are only allowed when both buyer and seller are...
Invoice type codes 326 (partial invoice) and 384 (corrective invoice) are only allowed between German organizations.
UBL-DT-06EN 16931AUTO-FIXBinary object elements shall contain the mime code attribute
Your invoice contains an embedded attachment (EmbeddedDocumentBinaryObject) but the mimeCode attribute is missing. The MIME type (e.g., application/pdf, image/png) must be specified.
BR-CO-17EN 16931BLOCKEDA VAT Category Tax Amount (BT-117) doesn't equal the Taxable Amount (BT-116)...
A VAT Category Tax Amount (BT-117) doesn't equal the Taxable Amount (BT-116) multiplied by the Rate (BT-119). The tax calculation is mathematically wrong.
BR-AF-07EN 16931BLOCKEDWhen a document level charge uses the IGIC VAT category, the VAT rate must...
When a document level charge uses the IGIC VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0% or greater.
BR-AF-08EN 16931BLOCKEDFor each IGIC VAT rate, the taxable amount must equal the sum of line net...
For each IGIC VAT rate, the taxable amount must equal the sum of line net amounts plus charges minus allowances where all use IGIC with that same rate. This is a calculation consistency check.
BR-AF-09EN 16931BLOCKEDThe VAT category tax amount for IGIC must equal the taxable amount...
The VAT category tax amount for IGIC must equal the taxable amount multiplied by the IGIC rate. This verifies the tax calculation is mathematically correct.
BR-AG-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXIPSI taxable amount calculation error
The IPSI taxable amount in the VAT breakdown does not match the calculated sum of line amounts plus charges minus allowances for the IPSI category.
BR-S-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXStandard rated VAT amount doesn't add up
The taxable amount in the VAT breakdown for standard-rated items does not match the sum of the corresponding line items, charges, and allowances. For each VAT rate (e.g. 25%, 21%, 19%), the taxable base in the VAT summary must equal: sum of line amounts at that rate, plus charges at that rate, minus allowances at that rate.
BR-S-10EN 16931AUTO-FIXStandard rate must not have exemption reason
VAT category S must not have exemption reason.
BR-E-05EN 16931AUTO-FIXWhen using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category...
When using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category does not have a positive tax rate (applies to `cac:InvoiceLine`, rule BR-E-05).
BR-E-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXVAT-exempt taxable amount doesn't add up
The taxable amount in the VAT-exempt breakdown does not match the sum of exempt line items, charges, and allowances. The taxable base must equal: sum of line amounts with category E, plus charges with category E, minus allowances with category E.
BR-E-09EN 16931AUTO-FIXExempt percentage must be zero
VAT category E must have rate of 0%.
BR-AE-03EN 16931INPUTWhen document level allowances use the reverse charge VAT category, both...
When document level allowances use the reverse charge VAT category, both seller and buyer must have proper tax identifiers for tax compliance.
BR-AE-04EN 16931INPUTWhen document level charges use the reverse charge VAT category, both seller...
When document level charges use the reverse charge VAT category, both seller and buyer must have proper tax identifiers for tax compliance.
BR-AF-02EN 16931INPUTWhen invoice lines use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must have a proper...
When invoice lines use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must have a proper tax identifier (VAT ID, tax registration, or tax representative VAT ID).
BR-AF-03EN 16931INPUTWhen document level allowances use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must...
When document level allowances use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must have a proper tax identifier.
BR-AF-04EN 16931INPUTWhen document level charges use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must have...
When document level charges use the IGIC VAT category, the seller must have a proper tax identifier.
BR-Z-05EN 16931AUTO-FIXIn an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code...
VAT category Z taxable amount must match sum of Z amounts.
BR-AG-02EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax...
When using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax registration, or tax representative.
BR-Z-06EN 16931AUTO-FIXIn a Document level allowance (BG-20) where the Document level allowance VAT...
VAT amount for category Z must be zero.
BR-Z-07EN 16931AUTO-FIXWhen using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category...
When using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category does not have a positive tax rate (applies to `cac:AllowanceCharge`, rule BR-Z-07).
BR-AG-03EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax...
When using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax registration, or tax representative (applies to `cac:AllowanceCharge`, rule BR-AG-03).
BR-Z-08EN 16931AUTO-FIXZero-rated taxable amount doesn't add up
The taxable amount in the zero-rated VAT breakdown does not match the sum of zero-rated line items, charges, and allowances. The taxable base must equal: sum of line amounts with category Z, plus charges with category Z, minus allowances with category Z.
BR-AG-04EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax...
When using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax registration, or tax representative (applies to `cac:AllowanceCharge`, rule BR-AG-04).
BR-Z-09EN 16931AUTO-FIXThe VAT category tax amount (BT-117) in a VAT breakdown (BG-23) where VAT...
VAT category Z must have rate of 0%.
BR-S-07EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category...
When using this VAT category, the VAT rate must be 0 (zero). This category does not have a positive tax rate.
BR-E-03EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax...
When using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax registration, or tax representative (applies to `cac:AllowanceCharge`, rule BR-E-03).
BR-Z-10EN 16931AUTO-FIXThis VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why...
This VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why no tax is charged (applies to `cac:TaxSubtotal`, rule BR-Z-10).
BR-E-04EN 16931INPUTWhen using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax...
When using this VAT category, the seller must have a VAT identifier, tax registration, or tax representative (applies to `cac:AllowanceCharge`, rule BR-E-04).
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