DE-R-017: Use an invoice type code from the list for German parties

What it means

When the seller and the buyer are both in Germany, the invoice type code (BT-3) should be one of these UNTDID 1001 codes: 380 for a commercial invoice, 381 for a credit note, 384 for a corrected invoice, 389 for a self-billed invoice, 326 for a partial invoice, and 875, 876 or 877 for a partial, partial final or final construction invoice. The check applies to invoices and credit notes alike.

Why it matters

This is a warning, so the file is still accepted and delivered. A code outside the list can make the recipient's software treat the document in an unexpected way, so it is worth fixing, especially if the buyer processes invoices automatically.

How to fix it

In your invoicing software, check the document type of the invoice. Choose invoice (380) for a normal invoice and credit note (381) for a credit. Use 384 if it corrects an earlier invoice, 389 for a self-billed invoice, 326 for a partial invoice, and 875 to 877 for construction invoices.

The rule as published

Read the rule on the publisher's site

Business terms: BT-3

Where this rule applies