BR-CL-08:Invoice note has an invalid subject code
One of the notes on your invoice uses a subject code that is not in the official UN/CEFACT code list (UNCL 4451). The subject code indicates the type of note — for example, general information, regulatory, or surcharge.
Engine Classification
Normalize the note subject code to uppercase. If it does not match any UNCL 4451 code, default to AAI (general information).
Confidence: 85% · Applied automatically in pipeline
What is BR-CL-08?
BR-CL-08 is a fatal validation rule defined in the EN 16931 specification. It validates the @subjectCode element in the UBL invoice XML.
When this rule fires, the invoice is non-compliant and will be rejected by Peppol access points and national validation services. The sending system receives a rejection response and the invoice does not reach the buyer.
Target path: //cbc:Note/@subjectCode
Why This Error Matters
Invoice rejected. Note categorization must use standard codes for automated processing.
BR-CL-08 is a hard failure. Invoices that trigger this rule are rejected at the access point and never reach the recipient. In Peppol networks, this means your sending system receives an MLR (Message Level Response) with a rejection status. The invoice must be corrected and re-sent, adding delay to your payment cycle.
Invoice Navigator can automatically correct this error in your pipeline. The fix is applied with full audit evidence, so your compliance trail remains intact.
Validator Behavior
- ·Causes invoice rejection
- ·Error returned: BR-CL-08
- ·Specification: EN 16931
How to Fix It
Before / After
<Invoice> <!-- Issue: Invoice note subject code (BT-21) must be coded using UNCL 4 --> </Invoice>
<Invoice> <!-- Issue resolved per EN 16931 --> </Invoice>
Technical Reference
//cbc:Note/@subjectCodeCommon Causes
- ·Note subject code not from UNCL 4451
- ·Invalid code on invoice note element
- ·Custom note category code used
- ·Note subjectCode contains text description
- ·Subject code field not using standard list
Seeing this in production? The API handles BR-CL-08 automatically. See the fix response →
Frequently Asked Questions
Unit code must be from UN/ECE Rec 20/21.
Use valid UN/ECE unit code. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-CL-08 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted by the recipient's system.
Many instances of BR-CL-08 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including invalid unit of measure code.
See Also
Related Errors
Last updated: 27 February 2026
Handle BR-CL-08 Automatically in Your Pipeline
The compliance engine auto-remediates this error with controlled safety policies and evidence pack generation.