Error code PEPPOL-EN16931-CL008 means: the scheme (schemeID) of the seller or buyer electronic address is not from the official Peppol code list.
What does PEPPOL-EN16931-CL008 mean?
The validator shows this message (as worded in the official rules):
[PEPPOL-EN16931-CL008]-Electronic address identifier scheme must be from the codelist "Electronic Address Identifier Scheme"The electronic address (EndpointID) of the seller (BT-34) and buyer (BT-49) consists of a scheme and a value. The scheme must be a four-digit code from the Electronic Address Scheme (EAS) list, for example 0208 (Belgian company number), 0106 (Dutch KvK), 0088 (GLN) or 9930 (German VAT). A text code such as BE:CBE, an empty scheme or a typo triggers this error.
Common causes
- The software uses an old or proprietary notation instead of the four-digit code.
- The customer is a private individual without a Peppol address, yet the software adds an address.
- The scheme was mapped incorrectly in an import or integration (for example the country instead of the code).
How to fix it as the sender
- Use the four-digit EAS code that matches the identifier, for example
schemeID="0208"for a Belgian company number. - Use the Peppol ID lookup to see under which scheme the recipient is actually registered.
- Do not send invoices to private individuals via Peppol; use email or post instead.
Received an invoice with this error?
An invoice with this error usually does not reach you. If it does, ask for a correct version and give the supplier your Peppol ID, for example 0208:0123456789.
Example in the XML
❌ Wrong
<cbc:EndpointID schemeID="BE:CBE">0987654394</cbc:EndpointID>✅ Correct
<cbc:EndpointID schemeID="0208">0987654394</cbc:EndpointID>
<!-- or -->
<cbc:EndpointID schemeID="9925">BE0987654394</cbc:EndpointID>Both snippets come from a complete test invoice that we checked with our validator: the wrong version gives exactly this message, the correct version no errors at all.
Good to know
In Belgium 0208 (company number) is the recommended identifier. Many companies are registered under both 0208 and 9925. In our tests an invalid scheme always triggered BR-CL-25 as well, the equivalent rule from the European standard: the same fix solves both.
Check your invoice
Drop your XML into the free validator. You see right away whether this error still occurs, with a link to the explanation for every message.
Official rule
The full rule with its technical test (Schematron) is in the official Peppol documentation:
Related error codes
- PEPPOL-COMMON-R043: A number with scheme 0208 is not a valid Belgian company number: wrong format or wrong check digits.
- PEPPOL-EN16931-R010 / PEPPOL-EN16931-R020: R010: the buyer electronic address is missing. R020: the seller electronic address is missing.
Frequently asked questions about PEPPOL-EN16931-CL008
Which schemeID should I use?
The EAS code that matches the identifier: 0208 for a Belgian company number, 9925 for a Belgian VAT number, 0106 for a Dutch KvK number, 0088 for a GLN.
How is this different from R010 and R020?
With R010 and R020 the electronic address is missing entirely. With CL008 it is present, but with an invalid scheme.