ErrorEN 16931Needs confirmation

BR-CL-17

Invoice tax categories MUST be coded using UNCL 5305 code list

What does this rule mean?

A VAT category code is not in the UNCL 5305 code list.

The category code decides which family of rules applies at all — an unknown code leaves the invoice undetermined for tax purposes.

Official rule message (standard)

Invoice tax categories MUST be coded using UNCL 5305 code list

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:TaxCategory/cbc:ID

CII

  • ram:CategoryTradeTax/ram:CategoryCode

Technical test

The rule passes when this Schematron expression holds true:

((not(contains(normalize-space(.), ' ')) and contains(' AE L M E S Z G O K B ', concat(' ', normalize-space(.), ' '))))

How to fix it

A wrong code-list value. A tool can suggest a valid code, but you confirm the correct one.

Use a code from the list: S, Z, E, AE, K, G, O, L, M or B.

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.

100% local — no upload, no account.

Related rules

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