CII-FIX-VATEX:CII VAT exemption reason code normalization
CII invoices with VAT categories O (Outside scope), E (Exempt), AE (Reverse charge), G (Export), or K (Intra-community) require a valid VATEX exemption reason code. This fix normalizes the ExemptionReasonCode at header level and propagates it to line-level tax breakdowns that are missing it.
Engine Classification
Normalize VATEX codes (uppercase, add prefix) and propagate header ExemptionReasonCode to lines missing it
Confidence: 85% · Applied automatically in pipeline
What is CII-FIX-VATEX?
CII-FIX-VATEX is a fatal validation rule defined in the cii-d16b specification. It validates the ram:ExemptionReasonCode element in the UBL invoice XML.
When this rule fires, the invoice is non-compliant and will be rejected by Peppol access points and national validation services. The sending system receives a rejection response and the invoice does not reach the buyer.
Target path: ram:ApplicableTradeTax/ram:ExemptionReasonCode
Why This Error Matters
CII-FIX-VATEX is a hard failure. Invoices that trigger this rule are rejected at the access point and never reach the recipient. In Peppol networks, this means your sending system receives an MLR (Message Level Response) with a rejection status. The invoice must be corrected and re-sent, adding delay to your payment cycle.
Invoice Navigator can automatically correct this error in your pipeline. The fix is applied with full audit evidence, so your compliance trail remains intact.
Validator Behavior
- ·Causes invoice rejection
- ·Fails CII schema validation
- ·Error returned: CII-FIX-VATEX
- ·Specification: cii-d16b
XML Example
Generic example based on the rule's target XPath. Your actual XML structure may differ.
<!-- Triggers validation error --> <ram:ExemptionReasonCode></ram:ExemptionReasonCode>
<!-- Corrected --> <ram:ExemptionReasonCode>VALID_VALUE</ram:ExemptionReasonCode>
Technical Reference
ram:ApplicableTradeTax/ram:ExemptionReasonCodeCommon Causes
- ·Exemption code only set at header level, not propagated to lines
- ·Lowercase or abbreviated VATEX codes
- ·Missing VATEX- prefix on exemption code
Seeing this in production? The API handles CII-FIX-VATEX automatically. See the fix response →
Commonly Seen In
Related Errors
Last updated: 18 February 2026
Handle CII-FIX-VATEX Automatically in Your Pipeline
The compliance engine auto-remediates this error with controlled safety policies and evidence pack generation.