Error codes · EN 16931 · Germany
DE-R-004Fixable here
The element "Seller post code" (BT-38) shall be provided. in Germany
This is the rejection, word for word: „[DE-R-004] Seller postal code is missing. German invoices must include the seller's postal code (BT-38).“
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.
Invoice will be rejected by German XRechnung validators. Germany has additional mandatory fields beyond EN16931 baseline, including seller contact details, complete addresses, and buyer reference (Leitweg-ID).
What to have readyThe missing value from your purchase order, contract or bookkeeping.
What we doThis requires user input to resolve. Provide the correct value for `cbc:PostalZone` (BT-38).
How to fix DE-R-004
01Locate the fieldCheck cbc:InvoiceTypeCode at /Invoice/cbc:InvoiceTypeCode. The current value does not meet the rule requirements for DE-R-004.
02Set the correct valueThis requires user input to resolve. Provide the correct value for `cbc:PostalZone` (BT-38).
03Re-validate your invoiceUpload the corrected invoice to confirm DE-R-004 is resolved.
If you enter it yourself in your invoicing software
Before
<cac:PostalAddress> <cbc:PostalZone>INVALID_CODE</cbc:PostalZone> </cac:PostalAddress>
After
<cac:PostalAddress> <cbc:PostalZone>VALID_CODE</cbc:PostalZone> </cac:PostalAddress>
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
German invoice missing seller post code
BT-38 Seller post code element empty or absent
cbc:PostalZone in seller address not provided
Seller postal address incomplete for XRechnung
German validation requires seller postal code