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E-invoice error explained

BR-DE-26: Corrected invoice without reference to the original

Code 384 in BT-3 marks a corrected invoice.

What the rule checks

Code 384 in BT-3 marks a corrected invoice. It should point to the invoice it corrects: number (BT-25) and preferably date (BT-26) in group BG-3. The rule is a warning, but without the reference the buyer can hardly match the correction.

Official rule text

If the code 384 (Corrected invoice) is used in the element Invoice type code (BT-3), PRECEDING INVOICE REFERENCE BG-3 should be present at least once.

Source: KoSIT configuration XRechnung 3.0.2 (31 Jan 2026).

Typical causes

  • The correction was created as a new invoice without a link to the original.
  • The link exists in the ERP but is not exported.
  • Code 384 was used where a credit note (381) was meant.

How to fix it

Add ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument inside ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeSettlement with ram:IssuerAssignedID (the original invoice number) and ram:FormattedIssueDateTime (its date). Many German companies correct with a cancellation or credit note (381) plus a new invoice (380). The reference to the original belongs in BG-3 in that case too.

Example

Wrong (CII)

<rsm:ExchangedDocument>
  <ram:TypeCode>384</ram:TypeCode>
</rsm:ExchangedDocument>
<!-- no ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument -->

Right (CII)

<rsm:ExchangedDocument>
  <ram:TypeCode>384</ram:TypeCode>
</rsm:ExchangedDocument>
<!-- in ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeSettlement: -->
<ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument>
  <ram:IssuerAssignedID>RG-26-0042</ram:IssuerAssignedID>
  <ram:FormattedIssueDateTime>
    <qdt:DateTimeString format="102">20260915</qdt:DateTimeString>
  </ram:FormattedIssueDateTime>
</ram:InvoiceReferencedDocument>

In Dynamics 365, Business Central and Finance

Sales / Project Operations: Sales and Project Operations have no e-invoice output out of the box. In the WBS Invoice Accelerator for Dynamics 365 code 384 is not used. Credit notes and cancellation invoices become 381 and carry the invoice in Invoice reference as the BG-3 reference.

Related error codes

All error codes

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