What it means
The rule checks every cac:InvoiceLine in a UBL invoice and every cac:CreditNoteLine in a UBL credit note for cbc:FreeOfChargeIndicator. It checks whether the element exists, regardless of whether its value is true or false. The unit price (BT-146) and line amount excluding VAT (BT-131) are separate fields.
Why it matters
EN 16931 does not use a separate free of charge flag on a line.
How to fix it
Delete cbc:FreeOfChargeIndicator from each cac:InvoiceLine or cac:CreditNoteLine. Its presence does not mean the line is free, because the flag may be false. Keep the unit price (BT-146), discounts, charges and line amount excluding VAT (BT-131) consistent with what you are charging. 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 InvoiceLine FreeOfChargeIndicator 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-519 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- UBL-CR-520 A line period should not have a start time
- UBL-CR-521 A line period should not have an end time
- UBL-CR-522 A line period should not have a duration
- UBL-CR-523 A line period should not carry a description code
- UBL-CR-524 A line period should not carry a text description
- UBL-CR-525 A line should not carry a sales order line number