What it means
Every invoice must contain the seller's postcode (BT-38). XRechnung requires the postcode in your address; EN 16931 only requires the country.
Why it matters
XRechnung, the German standard for e-invoices, requires this on top of EN 16931. Public bodies in Germany and their invoice portals (ZRE, OZG-RE and the state portals) reject an XRechnung that fails this rule, and many German businesses check incoming invoices the same way.
How to fix it
Complete your business address with the postcode in the company settings of your invoicing software and export again. If your country has no postcodes, ask the recipient what to enter.
The rule as published
Das Element "Seller post code" (BT-38) muss übermittelt werden. Business terms: BT-38
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-4 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-RO-L0201 Seller post code must be 20 characters or fewer
- DE-R-004 The seller post code is required between German parties
- IS-R-003 Icelandic sellers must give a street name and post code
- IT-R-004 Italian sellers must give the post code in their address
- BR-DE-5 Seller contact name is required
- BR-DE-6 Seller contact phone is required