What causes the UBL-CR-004 error?

Dates must be in ISO 8601 format: YYYY-MM-DD.

How do I fix UBL-CR-004?

Use YYYY-MM-DD format for all dates. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.

Is UBL-CR-004 a critical error?

Yes, UBL-CR-004 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.

Can UBL-CR-004 be automatically fixed?

Many instances of UBL-CR-004 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including invalid date format.

Which accounting software causes UBL-CR-004?

UBL-CR-004 is commonly seen in exports from Custom exports, Manual editing. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Error codes · UBL 2.1

UBL-CR-004In your invoicing software

Disallowed element: cbc:CopyIndicator

This is the rejection, word for word: „[UBL-CR-004] UBL 2.1 Invoice schema does not include `cbc:CopyIndicator`. This element must be removed for EN 16931 compliance.“

XPath: //cbc:IssueDate, //cbc:DueDate, etc.

What to have readyNothing. The file has to be re-exported from your invoicing software; we check it again afterwards.

What we doInvoice Navigator automatically removes the disallowed `cbc:CopyIndicator` element from your Invoice.

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.

If you enter it yourself in your invoicing software

Before

<Invoice>
  <cbc:CopyIndicator>value</cbc:CopyIndicator>
</Invoice>

After

<Invoice>
  <!-- cbc:CopyIndicator removed for EN 16931 compliance -->
</Invoice>

Element order is part of the rule: if the element sits in the wrong place, the validator rejects with UBL-CR-004.

What the finding looks likeExample

FindingStructure invalid · UBL-CR-004

Location/Invoice/cbc:CopyIndicator

From youA re-exported file

ThenRe-export

ProofSHA-256 and /verify link after the check

Often appears together with

BR-03Invoice must have an issue date UBL-CR-001Disallowed element: ext:UBLExtensions