BT-10: Buyer Reference / Leitweg-ID
An identifier assigned by the buyer to route the invoice to the proper department (e.g. Leitweg-ID).
Technical Specification
Mandatory in B2G (Leitweg-ID); used as customer/internal reference in B2B
Semantic data format according to European Standard EN 16931-1
What does BT-10 mean?
The buyer reference (BT-10) routes incoming invoices to specific departments. In German B2G transactions (XRechnung), BT-10 must contain the public authority’s Leitweg-ID. In commercial B2B, it is often populated with the contact person’s ID, internal project code, or buyer reference.
Practice Context: B2B vs. B2G (Public Procurement)
B2G: Mandatory (Leitweg-ID). Public invoice portals reject XRechnung without valid Leitweg-ID! B2B: Optional or agreed with the customer.
XML Syntax & Code Example
<cbc:BuyerReference>04011000-1234512345-31</cbc:BuyerReference>Business Rules & Schematron Checks
In XRechnung, BT-10 must contain the buyer’s Leitweg-ID.
An invoice shall have a Buyer reference (BT-10) or Purchase order reference (BT-13).
Check BT-10 in your invoice
Use the XML paths above to locate BT-10. A snippet illustrates this field; it is not a complete invoice. After correcting a value in the source application, export and check the entire file again.
Official specifications and rule sets
Requirements depend on the invoice profile and version. Consult the matching specification for mandatory fields, code lists and rules; Peppol-specific requirements do not automatically apply to every ZUGFeRD invoice.
Related Business Terms (BTs)
Create compliant E-Invoices easily
Create XRechnung and ZUGFeRD invoices in Billance and check the exported file locally. Use this guide to understand BT-10 and review your invoice details before sending.