Error code PEPPOL-EN16931-R061 means: the invoice is paid by direct debit but does not state a mandate reference.
What does PEPPOL-EN16931-R061 mean?
The validator shows this message (as worded in the official rules):
[PEPPOL-EN16931-R061]-Mandate reference MUST be provided for direct debit.If you collect payment by SEPA direct debit (payment code 59), the invoice must state the mandate reference (BT-89, cac:PaymentMandate/cbc:ID). That tells the customer under which mandate the amount is taken from their account.
Common causes
- The customer pays by direct debit, but the mandate reference is not in the customer record.
- The export uses code 59 for all customers, also for those who pay by credit transfer.
- The mandate reference is only in a note.
How to fix it as the sender
- Enter the mandate reference for every customer who pays by direct debit.
- Have the export put that reference in
cac:PaymentMandate/cbc:ID. - Only use code 59 for customers with a mandate. For a credit transfer use 30 or 58.
Received an invoice with this error?
An invoice with this error is not compliant. Ask the supplier for a corrected invoice and do not change the XML yourself.
Example in the XML
❌ Wrong
<cac:PaymentMeans>
<cbc:PaymentMeansCode>59</cbc:PaymentMeansCode>
<cac:PayeeFinancialAccount><cbc:ID>BE68539007547034</cbc:ID></cac:PayeeFinancialAccount>
</cac:PaymentMeans>✅ Correct
<cac:PaymentMeans>
<cbc:PaymentMeansCode>59</cbc:PaymentMeansCode>
<cac:PayeeFinancialAccount><cbc:ID>BE68539007547034</cbc:ID></cac:PayeeFinancialAccount>
<cac:PaymentMandate><cbc:ID>MANDAAT-2026-001</cbc:ID></cac:PaymentMandate>
</cac:PaymentMeans>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
For a credit transfer, the standard asks for the supplier’s account number instead. If it is missing, you get BR-61.
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
- BR-61: The invoice asks for a credit transfer but does not state an account number.
- BR-CO-16: The amount due does not equal the total with VAT, minus the amount already paid, plus rounding.
Frequently asked questions about PEPPOL-EN16931-R061
What is a mandate reference?
The unique reference of the authorisation the customer gave to collect amounts from their account. You find it in your SEPA mandate.
Where is the mandate reference in the XML?
In cac:PaymentMeans/cac:PaymentMandate/cbc:ID.