What it means
The payment means code (BT-81) is 58 (SEPA credit transfer) or 59 (SEPA direct debit), and the bank account you are paid into (BG-17) also has a payment service provider identifier (BT-86), usually the bank's BIC. Other payment means codes do not trigger this warning.
Why it matters
This is a warning, so the invoice is not rejected. For SEPA payments the IBAN is enough to identify the account, so the Dutch profile recommends leaving the BIC out.
How to fix it
Open the bank details in your invoicing software and clear the field called BIC, SWIFT code or bank identifier. Keep the IBAN. It is worth fixing if you want a clean check or a Dutch recipient asks for it. If you pay or get paid outside SEPA, use a different payment means code, and this rule no longer applies.
The rule as published
The use of a payment service provider identifier (cac:PaymentMeans/cac:PayeeFinancialAccount/cac:FinancialInstitutionBranch/cbc:ID) is not recommended for SEPA payments (cac:PaymentMeans/cbc:PaymentMeansCode = 58 or 59) Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| 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-NL-31 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-NL-33 Avoid a second VAT total in another currency
- BR-NL-35 Leave out the VAT exemption reason code
- BR-NL-30 Leave out the bank account name
- BR-NL-29 Leave out the payment means text, the code is enough
- BR-NL-26 The seller's additional legal information is not recommended
- BR-NL-25 Dutch sellers should give a VAT number, not another tax number