PEPPOL-COMMON-R056-2
Dutch VAT numbers MUST have the format (NL123456789B12).
What does this rule mean?
A VAT identifier (BT-31/BT-48) beginning with NL does not have the Dutch format.
A Dutch VAT number is NL, nine digits, B and two digits (NL123456789B12). A number of another shape is either mistyped or not Dutch at all — and neither can be confirmed with VIES.
Official rule message (standard)
Dutch VAT numbers MUST have the format (NL123456789B12).
Where the rule applies
Syntax: UBL
Affected element (XPath):
cac:PartyTaxScheme [normalize-space(cac:TaxScheme/cbc:ID) = 'VAT'] /cbc:CompanyID [starts-with(normalize-space(.), 'NL')]
Technical test
The rule passes when this Schematron expression holds true:
matches(normalize-space(.), '^NL[0-9]{9}B[0-9]{2}$')How to fix it
A missing or incorrect business entry only you can supply. Add or correct it, then re-check.
Correct the number to NL123456789B12, or enter the party’s actual VAT identifier.
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.