What it means
The delivery party (ShipToTradeParty) is described by name, location identifier and address. This rule checks that it has no DefinedTradeContact, the block for a contact person with a name, telephone number and email. The seller contact (BG-6) and buyer contact (BG-9) are separate and stay allowed.
Why it matters
The invoice standard has no contact for the delivery party, so the buyer's software cannot use one. The invoice is not rejected, but the person you named is unlikely to reach the buyer's warehouse or reception through this file.
How to fix it
If the contact is the person who receives the goods, give their name and number on the delivery note that travels with the goods, or in the invoice note (BT-22). If your software exports delivery contacts by default, switch that off or use the EN 16931 profile. Your normal seller and buyer contacts can stay as they are.
The rule as published
DefinedTradeContact should not be present Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| EN 16931 (CII) | 1.3.17 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
| NLCIUS (CII) | 1.0.3.13 |
| France CTC (CII) | 1.4.0-04 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether CII-SR-312 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- CII-SR-313 Delivery party must not have an electronic address
- CII-SR-314 Delivery party must not carry a VAT or tax registration
- CII-SR-315 Delivery party must not have an end point address
- CII-SR-316 Delivery party must not carry a logo
- CII-SR-317 Leave out the ultimate delivery recipient
- CII-SR-318 Leave out the party the goods are shipped from