CII-SR-402: Leave the instruction type code out of the payment terms

What it means

The payment terms contain an InstructionTypeCode element, an extra code attached to the payment terms. EN 16931 does not use it. It gives the payment terms as text (BT-20) and the due date (BT-9) as a date.

Why it matters

This is a warning, so the invoice is still accepted. The buyer's software does not read the code, so whatever it was meant to say is lost. It is worth fixing if the instruction matters to the buyer, in which case it should be written out in the payment terms text.

How to fix it

Remove the InstructionTypeCode element from the payment terms. If the instruction matters, write it in the payment terms text (BT-20). If the element keeps coming back, check the profile or format choice in your invoicing software and pick EN 16931.

The rule as published

InstructionTypeCode should not be present

Where this rule applies