What it means
The rule checks that the element cbc:UUID is not at the top of the invoice or credit note. A UUID is a long generated code, such as 123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-426614174000, that some systems add to give each document a unique technical identity.
Why it matters
This rule excludes a separate document UUID element. It does not prohibit a generated code from being used as the invoice number (BT-1).
How to fix it
Delete the cbc:UUID element directly under the root. Keep the invoice number (BT-1) in cbc:ID; do not remove or change it merely because it looks like a UUID. Export again and recheck the file.
Once the file is corrected, check it again for free: Validate an invoice against EN 16931
Or fix the invoice in a form and download the corrected file, for 1 credit: Fix a rejected e-invoice
The rule as published
A UBL invoice should not include the UUID Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| EN 16931 (UBL) | 1.3.17 |
| EN 16931 (UBL credit note) | 1.3.17 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL credit note) | 3.0.2 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (invoice) | 2026.5 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (credit note) | 2026.5 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (invoice) | 2.0.3.13 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (credit note) | 2.0.3.13 |
| France CTC (UBL invoice) | 1.4.0-04 |
| France CTC (UBL credit note) | 1.4.0-04 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Invoice 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Credit Note 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether UBL-CR-005 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- UBL-CR-006 The file should not contain an issue time
- UBL-CR-007 The file should not contain a pricing currency code
- UBL-CR-008 The file should not contain a payment currency code
- UBL-CR-009 The file should not contain an alternative payment currency
- UBL-CR-010 The file should not contain an accounting cost code
- UBL-CR-011 The file should not contain a line count element