DE-R-016
If one of the VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M is used, an invoice shall contain at least one of the following elements: "Seller VAT identifier" (BT-31) or "Seller tax registration identifier" (BT-32) or "SELLER TAX REPRESENTATIVE PARTY" (BG-11).
What does this rule mean?
For the VAT categories used, a seller tax identifier is missing.
When VAT categories such as S, AE, K etc. are used, the seller must give a VAT identifier (BT-31), a tax registration identifier (BT-32) or a tax representative (BG-11).
- BG-11
- Seller tax representative party (group)
- BT-31
- Seller VAT identifier
- BT-32
- Seller tax registration identifier
Official rule message (standard)
If one of the VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M is used, an invoice shall contain at least one of the following elements: "Seller VAT identifier" (BT-31) or "Seller tax registration identifier" (BT-32) or "SELLER TAX REPRESENTATIVE PARTY" (BG-11).
Where the rule applies
Syntax: UBL
Affected element (XPath):
(/ubl-invoice:Invoice | /ubl-creditnote:CreditNote)[$supplierCountryIsDE and $customerCountryIsDE]
Technical test
The rule passes when this Schematron expression holds true:
(not( ($BT-95-UBL-Inv = $supportedVATCodes or $BT-95-UBL-CN = $supportedVATCodes) or ($BT-102 = $supportedVATCodes) or ($BT-151 = $supportedVATCodes) ) or (cac:TaxRepresentativeParty, $BT-31orBT-32Path)) How to fix it
A missing or incorrect business entry only you can supply. Add or correct it, then re-check.
Add one of the three: a VAT identifier, a tax number, or a tax representative.
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.