BR-55
Each Preceding Invoice reference (BG-3) shall contain a Preceding Invoice reference (BT-25).
What does this rule mean?
A preceding invoice reference (BG-3) is missing the invoice number (BT-25).
A reference to an earlier invoice must state its number.
- BG-3
- Preceding invoice reference (group)
- BT-25
- Preceding invoice reference
Official rule message (standard)
Each Preceding Invoice reference (BG-3) shall contain a Preceding Invoice reference (BT-25).
Where the rule applies
Syntax: CII · UBL
The same rule, expressed twice: UBL and CII name the same fields with different paths. Running a CII file against the UBL rules is why you get errors that mean nothing.
UBL
cac:BillingReference
CII
/rsm:CrossIndustryInvoice/rsm:SupplyChainTradeTransaction/ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeSettlement/ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument
Technical test
The rule passes when this Schematron expression holds true:
normalize-space(ram:IssuerAssignedID) != ''How to fix it
A missing or incorrect business entry only you can supply. Add or correct it, then re-check.
Add the preceding invoice number.
Correct the affected entry in your XML, then re-check the invoice. Validation runs locally in your browser — your file never leaves your machine.
Check an e-invoice here
Drop an XML or ZUGFeRD PDF file here. Validation runs locally in your browser against EN 16931 — your file never leaves your machine.