Data Model
Buyer Reference (BT-10)
Definition
The Buyer Reference (BT-10) is an identifier specified by the buyer for internal routing and assignment of the invoice at the recipient's end. In the German B2G sector, this field is mandatory for XRechnung and is populated with the Leitweg-ID. For B2B invoices, BT-10 often serves as an order reference or cost-centre identifier and enables automated invoice processing.
Switch to German:Käuferreferenz (BT-10) (DE)
Related terms
Leitweg-IDThe Leitweg-ID is a unique routing identifier used by German public sector buyers to receive electronic invoices. It typically consists of a combination of an authority code, optional subdivisions, and a check digit, e.g. `991-12345678-06`. The Leitweg-ID is provided in the XRechnung field BT-10 (Buyer Reference) and ensures that an invoice is correctly delivered and processed within an authority.Business Term (BT)A Business Term (BT) is a single, semantically defined data element of the European standard EN 16931. Each Business Term has a unique number (e.g., BT-1 for the invoice number, BT-9 for the payment due date), a name, a definition, and cardinality rules. Business Terms are syntax-independent and are mapped to different XML elements in UBL and CII.XRechnungXRechnung is the German standard for structured electronic invoices in public sector procurement (B2G). It is based on the European standard EN 16931 and is available in two syntaxes: UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII. Since 27 November 2020, federal public buyers have been required to accept electronic invoices in XRechnung format, and state and municipal authorities have been progressively included.B2G (Business-to-Government)B2G refers to business relationships and invoicing from companies to government entities (federal, state, municipal, and public bodies). In Germany, electronic invoicing in the B2G sector has been progressively mandatory for federal authorities since 2020 and increasingly for state and municipal authorities. The required format is XRechnung or another EN 16931-compliant format.