What it means
This rule checks that the originator document reference in a UBL invoice or credit note (cac:OriginatorDocumentReference) does not contain a copy indicator, a true or false flag saying whether the referenced document is a copy. EN 16931 uses that block only for the tender or lot reference (BT-17, in cbc:ID).
Why it matters
The standard has no field for a copy flag on this reference, so the recipient's software ignores it or drops it. The rule is a warning because no amount or VAT figure depends on it, so the invoice is still accepted.
How to fix it
Delete cbc:CopyIndicator from cac:OriginatorDocumentReference and export again. Keep the tender or lot reference itself (BT-17) if you have one. If your invoicing software has tender or contract details, check that nothing but the reference number is filled in there.
The rule as published
A UBL invoice should not include the OriginatorDocumentReference CopyIndicator 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-078 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- UBL-CR-079 Do not add a UUID to the originator document reference
- UBL-CR-080 Do not add an issue date to the originator document reference
- UBL-CR-081 Leave the issue time out of the tender or lot reference
- UBL-CR-082 Leave the document type code out of the tender or lot reference
- UBL-CR-083 Leave the document type out of the tender or lot reference
- UBL-CR-084 Leave the XPath out of the tender or lot reference