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Error

FX-SCH-A-000853: VAT category code is not allowed

In short

Error: fails the selected checks.

FX-SCH-A-000853 means the VAT category code (BT-118) in your VAT breakdown is outside the Extended profile's allowed list. Correct ram:CategoryCode using the code for the VAT treatment that actually applies.

On this page

What it means

Checks a non-empty ram:CategoryCode in ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeSettlement/ram:ApplicableTradeTax against category code list 24. Examples include S for standard or reduced-rate VAT, Z for zero-rated VAT, E for exempt from VAT, AE for reverse charge, K for intra-community supply, G for export outside the EU and O for outside the scope of VAT. An empty value passes this test.

Why it matters

The category identifies the VAT treatment. It is separate from the numeric VAT rate and is used by other VAT checks.

How to fix it

Correct ram:CategoryCode in the affected header-level ram:ApplicableTradeTax. Use an allowed code matching the actual VAT treatment, not a word, percentage or lower-case version of the code. Keep the VAT rate in its separate field. Export the corrected invoice and check it again.

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

Value of 'ram:CategoryCode' is not allowed.

Where this rule applies

Rule set Version
Factur-X 1.09 EXTENDED 1.0.9-2
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-000853 still fails, and which other rules do.

Updated 6 November 2026