What it means
On an invoice line, a Peppol UBL invoice may only use cac:DocumentReference for the invoiced object identifier (BT-128), with cbc:DocumentTypeCode 130. Other documents belong at document level.
Why it matters
Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 adds this rule to EN 16931 so that every access point and receiver can process the invoice the same way. The sending or receiving access point rejects an invoice that fails it, so it never reaches the buyer.
How to fix it
Move other references, such as a delivery note, contract or timesheet, to the document level fields, or add them as additional supporting documents. On the line, keep only the invoiced object with type code 130.
The rule as published
Element Document reference can only be used for Invoice line object Where XRechnung 3.0 (CII) run it, the rule reads:
Element Additional referenced document can only be used for Invoice line object. Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL credit note) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (invoice) | 2026.5 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (credit note) | 2026.5 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether PEPPOL-EN16931-R101 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R110 A line period must start within the invoicing period
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R111 A line period must end within the invoicing period
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R120 The line amount should equal quantity times price, plus charges, minus discounts
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R121 The price base quantity must be above zero
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R130 The price base quantity must use the same unit as the quantity
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R100 At most one invoiced object per line