BR-CO-05:Discount reason text does not match the reason code
The allowance reason code and the reason text on your invoice describe different types of discounts. For example, code 95 means "Discount" but the text says something else. These must match.
Engine Classification
Look up correct reason text from UNTDID 5189 code list based on the allowance reason code
Confidence: 95% · Applied automatically in pipeline
What is BR-CO-05?
BR-CO-05 is a fatal validation rule defined in the EN 16931 specification. It validates the AllowanceChargeReason 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: //cac:AllowanceCharge/cbc:AllowanceChargeReason
Why This Error Matters
Invoice may be rejected or require manual review. Inconsistent allowance information confuses accounting reconciliation and audit trails.
BR-CO-05 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-CO-05
- ·Specification: EN 16931
How to Fix It
Before / After
<Invoice> <cac:AllowanceCharge[cbc:ChargeIndicator=false]>INVALID_CODE</cac:AllowanceCharge[cbc:ChargeIndicator=false]> </Invoice>
<Invoice> <cac:AllowanceCharge[cbc:ChargeIndicator=false]>VALID_CODE</cac:AllowanceCharge[cbc:ChargeIndicator=false]> </Invoice>
Technical Reference
//cac:AllowanceCharge/cbc:AllowanceChargeReasonCommon Causes
- ·Allowance reason code and text describe different discounts
- ·ReasonCode says "42" (volume) but text says "early payment"
- ·Mismatch between coded and textual allowance reason
- ·Code updated but description not changed
- ·Automated code assignment inconsistent with manual text
Seeing this in production? The API handles BR-CO-05 automatically. See the fix response →
Frequently Asked Questions
BR-CO-05 occurs when the allowance reason code (BT-98) and reason text (BT-97) describe different types of discounts. For example, code 95 (Discount) with text "Freight rebate" is a mismatch.
Align the reason code with the reason text. Either update the text to match the UNTDID 5189 code meaning, or change the code to match your text. Invoice Navigator can help identify mismatches.
Yes, BR-CO-05 is a business rule violation that can cause invoice rejection. Inconsistent allowance information confuses accounting reconciliation.
Partially. Invoice Navigator can suggest corrections by mapping common text patterns to UNTDID 5189 codes, but review is recommended since the correct value depends on business context.
See Also
Related Errors
Last updated: 27 February 2026
Handle BR-CO-05 Automatically in Your Pipeline
The compliance engine auto-remediates this error with controlled safety policies and evidence pack generation.