How do I fix BR-Z-10?

Invoice Navigator automatically fixes this issue by correcting the `cac:TaxSubtotal` element in your Invoice (BR-Z-10). You can also use Invoice Navigator's compliance engine to correct this automatically in your pipeline.

Is BR-Z-10 a critical error?

Yes, BR-Z-10 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission.

Can BR-Z-10 be automatically fixed?

Many instances of BR-Z-10 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's compliance engine. The fix is applied in your pipeline with full audit evidence.

errorEN 16931

`BR-Z-10`:This VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why...

This VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why no tax is charged (applies to `cac:TaxSubtotal`, rule BR-Z-10).

Severity

Fatal

Rule set

EN 16931

Country

All EU

Fix type

AUTO-FIX

Confidence

95%

Engine Classification

Remove VAT exemption reason from zero-rated breakdown per EN16931 BR-Z-10

Confidence: 95% · Applied automatically in pipeline

What is BR-Z-10?

BR-Z-10 is a fatal validation rule defined in the EN 16931 specification. It validates the TaxExemptionReasonCode element under ID='Z'] > TaxCategory 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:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal[cac:TaxCategory/cbc:ID='Z']/cac:TaxCategory/cbc:TaxExemptionReasonCode

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Why This Error Matters

Invoice will be rejected. Zero rated VAT (category Z) requires seller VAT registration, 0% rate, and correct breakdown. Zero rate is different from exemption - it still requires tax compliance.

BR-Z-10 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-Z-10
·Specification: EN 16931

Before / After

Failing XML

<cac:TaxTotal>
  <cac:TaxSubtotal>-100.00</cac:TaxSubtotal>
</cac:TaxTotal>

Corrected XML

<cac:TaxTotal>
  <cac:TaxSubtotal>100.00</cac:TaxSubtotal>
</cac:TaxTotal>

Technical Reference

XPath//cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal[cac:TaxCategory/cbc:ID='Z']/cac:TaxCategory/cbc:TaxExemptionReasonCode

SpecEN 16931

Operationremove

StrategyRemove VAT exemption reason from zero-rated breakdown per EN16931 BR-Z-10

Common Causes

·Zero rate breakdown has exemption reason
·Z category must not have BT-120 or BT-121
·Exemption reason incompatible with zero rate
·cbc:TaxExemptionReason present for Z category
·Zero rate is not an exemption - no reason needed

Seeing this in production? The API handles BR-Z-10 automatically. See the fix response →

Related Errors

BR-45

Each VAT breakdown (BG-23) shall have a VAT category taxable amount (BT-116).

BR-48

Document allowance tax category required

BR-AE-09

Reverse charge VAT breakdown tax amount must be zero

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Handle BR-Z-10 Automatically in Your Pipeline

The compliance engine auto-remediates this error with controlled safety policies and evidence pack generation.

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BR-Z-10:This VAT category requires an exemption reason code or text explaining why...