What it means
When the payment means code (BT-81) is 59, SEPA direct debit, the account to be debited (BT-91) should be a correct IBAN: a country code, two check digits and the account number, with a check sum that adds up.
Why it matters
This is a warning, so the invoice is still accepted. It is worth fixing, because German recipients use this information to process the invoice automatically, and a portal or buyer may ask you to correct it.
How to fix it
Copy the customer's IBAN from their signed SEPA mandate into the customer record, without spaces or typing errors. A national account number or a mistyped digit fails the check. If the invoice is not paid by SEPA direct debit, choose the right payment means instead of 59.
The rule as published
"Debited account identifier" (BT-91) soll eine korrekte IBAN enthalten, wenn in "Payment means type code" (BT-81) mit dem Code 59 SEPA als Zahlungsmittel gefordert wird. Business terms: BT-81, BT-91
Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL credit note) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether BR-DE-20 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- DE-R-020 A SEPA direct debit should name a valid IBAN to debit
- BR-49 Payment means code is required
- BR-61 Payment by transfer needs an account number
- BR-DE-19 A SEPA credit transfer 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