errorubl-2.1

UBL-CR-009:Invalid or unknown attribute

Element contains an attribute not defined in UBL 2.1 schema.

We can fix this automatically

AUTO-FIX

Auto-fix: Remove the disallowed element from the invoice XML. No data loss occurs because EN16931 explicitly prohibits this element.

No manual changes needed
Upload and Fix Now

Why This Error Matters

Invoice will be rejected by PEPPOL/EN16931 validators. Safe to remove - this element is explicitly prohibited and contains no required business data.

How to Fix It

1

Check schema

Verify attribute is UBL 2.1 defined

2

Common valid attributes

currencyID, schemeID, listID, name

3

Remove invalid

Delete or move to extension area

Code Example

<!-- BAD: -->
<cbc:ID type="invoice">123</cbc:ID>
<!-- GOOD: -->
<cbc:ID>123</cbc:ID>

Technical Details

XPath: Various elements with extra attributes

Common Causes

  • Source ERP exports full UBL 2.1 instead of EN16931 subset
  • Generic UBL template includes optional elements not needed for e-invoicing
  • Conversion from another format added unsupported elements
  • Manual XML editing introduced non-standard elements
  • Invoice software not configured for EN16931 compliance

Commonly Seen In

Custom invoice generators

Frequently Asked Questions

Element contains an attribute not defined in UBL 2.1 schema.
Remove non-standard attributes from elements. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, UBL-CR-009 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.
Many instances of UBL-CR-009 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including invalid or unknown attribute.
UBL-CR-009 is commonly seen in exports from Custom invoice generators. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Related Errors

CII-SR-001

Invalid CII namespace

UBL-CR-001

Invalid XML Syntax

Last updated: 16 January 2026

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