Reference
Markdown exportBR-DE-4 Seller post code must be provided
Under the German XRechnung profile and German tax regulations (§ 14 UStG), the postal address of the seller (BG-5) must contain a postal code (BT-38). German administrative routing systems and tax assessment offices rely on standard 5-digit German postal codes (Postleitzahl) to verify local tax authority jurisdiction and perform automated address deduplication.
Problem Description
ERROR
German XRechnung rule (KoSIT, BR-DE) · XRechnung 3.0
Context and Significance
Without BT-38, Schematron validation fails rule BR-DE-4 immediately. In domestic German B2G transactions, a valid 5-digit PLZ is indispensable for invoice clearing.
Solution
In your ERP master data, ensure the postal code field is maintained in the seller address profile. In UBL 2.1 syntax, populate <cbc:PostalZone> within <cac:AccountingSupplierParty><cac:Party><cac:PostalAddress>. In UN/CEFACT CII syntax, populate <ram:PostcodeCode> within <ram:SellerTradeParty><ram:PostalTradeAddress>. Ensure the postal code is not embedded inside the street address or city name.
Quick actions
Valid Examples
- Seller postal address with BT-38 = "10115" and BT-37 = "Berlin"
- Seller postal address with BT-38 = "80331" and BT-37 = "München"
Invalid Examples
- Seller postal address containing street and city but omitting cbc:PostalZone / ram:PostcodeCode
- Postal code placed as text prefix in cbc:CityName (e.g. "10115 Berlin") leaving BT-38 empty
Code Examples
<cac:PostalAddress>
<cbc:StreetName>Alexanderstraße 1</cbc:StreetName>
<cbc:CityName>Berlin</cbc:CityName>
<cbc:PostalZone>10178</cbc:PostalZone>
<cac:Country><cbc:IdentificationCode>DE</cbc:IdentificationCode></cac:Country>
</cac:PostalAddress><cac:PostalAddress>
<cbc:StreetName>Alexanderstraße 1</cbc:StreetName>
<cbc:CityName>Berlin</cbc:CityName>
<cac:Country><cbc:IdentificationCode>DE</cbc:IdentificationCode></cac:Country>
</cac:PostalAddress>