What it means
Every invoice must contain the payment means type code (BT-81) whenever it gives payment instructions (BG-16). It is a code from UNTDID 4461 that says how to pay, for example 58 for a SEPA credit transfer, 59 for a SEPA direct debit or 48 for a card payment.
Why it matters
The buyer's software reads the payment details to prepare the payment. When they are incomplete it cannot pay automatically, and the invoice is rejected or left waiting for someone to fix by hand.
How to fix it
Choose how the invoice should be paid in your invoicing software, for example bank transfer, and export again. If you build the XML yourself, add cbc:PaymentMeansCode (UBL) or ram:TypeCode in ram:SpecifiedTradeSettlementPaymentMeans (CII).
The rule as published
A Payment instruction (BG-16) shall specify the Payment means type code (BT-81). Business terms: BG-16, BT-81
Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| EN 16931 (UBL) | 1.3.17 |
| EN 16931 (UBL credit note) | 1.3.17 |
| EN 16931 (CII) | 1.3.17 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL credit note) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (invoice) | 2026.5 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (credit note) | 2026.5 |
| Factur-X 1.09 BASIC WL | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 BASIC | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 EN 16931 | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 EXTENDED | 1.0.9-2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC WL | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 EN 16931 | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 EXTENDED | 2.5.2 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (invoice) | 2.0.3.13 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (credit note) | 2.0.3.13 |
| NLCIUS (CII) | 1.0.3.13 |
| France CTC (UBL invoice) | 1.4.0-04 |
| France CTC (UBL credit note) | 1.4.0-04 |
| France CTC (CII) | 1.4.0-04 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Invoice 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Credit Note 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether BR-49 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-61 Payment by transfer needs an account number
- BR-DE-1 An XRechnung must contain payment instructions
- BR-DE-19 A SEPA credit transfer needs a valid IBAN
- BR-DE-20 A SEPA direct debit needs a valid IBAN
- BR-DE-23-A Bank transfer payments need the seller's bank account
- BR-DE-23-B Bank transfer payments must not carry card or debit details