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Error

FX-SCH-A-000415: Each earlier-invoice reference needs one invoice number

In short

Error: fails the selected checks.

FX-SCH-A-000415 means a reference to an earlier invoice (BG-3) contains either no ram:IssuerAssignedID element or more than one. Give each reference exactly one element containing the relevant earlier invoice number (BT-25), then export and recheck the file.

On this page

What it means

Each ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument under ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeSettlement must contain exactly one ram:IssuerAssignedID for the earlier invoice number (BT-25). The rule applies to the BASIC WL, Basic, EN 16931 and Extended profiles of Factur-X and ZUGFeRD. It checks the number of elements, not the number's text, and is not restricted to credit notes or corrections.

Why it matters

The earlier invoice number identifies the document concerned, allowing the reference to be linked to the right invoice.

How to fix it

Check every earlier-invoice reference (BG-3), not just those on credit notes or corrected invoices. Add the missing invoice number or remove duplicate ram:IssuerAssignedID elements so that each ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument contains one. Remove the whole reference only if it was added by mistake and is not needed. Export and recheck the file.

Once the file is corrected, check it again for free: Validate a ZUGFeRD invoice

Or fix the invoice in a form and download the corrected file, for 1 credit: Fix a rejected e-invoice Beta

The rule as published

Element 'ram:IssuerAssignedID' must occur exactly 1 times.

Where this rule applies

Rule set Version
Factur-X 1.09 BASIC WL 1.0.9-2
Factur-X 1.09 BASIC 1.0.9-2
Factur-X 1.09 EN 16931 1.0.9-2
Factur-X 1.09 EXTENDED 1.0.9-2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC WL 2.5.2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC 2.5.2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 EN 16931 2.5.2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 EXTENDED 2.5.2
Rule text from phive-rules 4.6.4.

Check your file

Drop your e-invoice to see whether FX-SCH-A-000415 still fails, and which other rules do.

Updated 6 November 2026