What it means
An invoice line has the VAT category IPSI (BT-151), code M in the file, the tax of Ceuta and Melilla. The invoice must then contain the seller's VAT identifier (BT-31), the seller's tax registration identifier (BT-32) or the VAT identifier of the seller's tax representative (BT-63). The check looks for a tax number in the seller's tax details, or a VAT number in the tax representative's tax details.
Why it matters
The recipient and the tax authority need to know under which registration the seller charges IPSI. Without a tax number the invoice cannot be tied to a registered taxpayer, so it fails validation and is rejected.
How to fix it
Open the seller details in your invoicing software and fill in the VAT number or tax registration number of the business issuing the invoice. A VAT number for a tax representative named on the invoice also satisfies the rule. If the seller has no tax number, ask your accountant whether IPSI is the right category for those lines.
The rule as published
An Invoice that contains an Invoice line (BG-25) where the Invoiced item VAT category code (BT-151) is "IPSI" shall contain the Seller VAT Identifier (BT-31), the Seller tax registration identifier (BT-32) and/or the Seller tax representative VAT identifier (BT-63). Business terms: BG-25, BT-31, BT-32, BT-63, BT-151
Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (invoice) | 2026.5 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (credit note) | 2026.5 |
| 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 | 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 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether BR-AG-02 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-AE-02 Reverse-charge lines need both VAT numbers
- BR-AF-02 IGIC lines need a tax number for the seller
- BR-E-02 VAT-exempt lines need your VAT number
- BR-IG-02 IGIC lines need a seller VAT number or tax number
- BR-IP-02 IPSI lines need a seller VAT number or tax number
- BR-S-02 Standard-rate lines need your VAT number