What it means
When the invoice type code (BT-3) is 384, corrected invoice, the XRechnung should contain at least one reference to a preceding invoice (BG-3) with that invoice's number (BT-25).
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
In your invoicing software, create the correction from the original invoice so it carries the reference, or enter the original invoice number in the preceding invoice field. If the document is simply a new invoice, use type 380 instead of 384. In the XML the reference is cac:BillingReference/cac:InvoiceDocumentReference (UBL) or ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument (CII).
The rule as published
Wenn im Element "Invoice type code" (BT-3) der Code 384 (Corrected invoice) übergeben wird, soll PRECEDING INVOICE REFERENCE BG-3 mind. einmal vorhanden sein. Business terms: BG-3, BT-3
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-26 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- DE-R-026 A corrected invoice should refer to the invoice it corrects
- BR-04 Invoice type code is required
- BR-55 Preceding invoice number is required
- BR-DE-17 Use an invoice type code XRechnung expects
- BR-FR-05_BT-22-1 Notes must include the recovery fee statement (#PMT#)
- BR-FR-05_BT-22-2 Notes must include the late payment penalties statement (#PMD#)