Delivery Note Reference in ZUGFeRD (BT-16): Map the Despatch Advice Correctly

Many invoices refer to a delivery note, for example with a line like „Delivery: 56273“. This reference belongs in a dedicated field of EN 16931 – so that the recipient can automatically match the invoice to the corresponding delivery.

> Quick answer: The delivery note or despatch advice number is BT-16 (Despatch Advice Reference). In ZUGFeRD/CII it appears as DespatchAdviceReferencedDocument (IssuerAssignedID), and in XRechnung/UBL as DespatchDocumentReference. TaxLayer maps it automatically.

What BT-16 means

BT-16 links the invoice to the associated delivery. If the invoice carries a delivery note or despatch advice number, it belongs in the e-invoice as a reference – not in a free-text field, but in the element intended for it.

Item	EN 16931 field	Example
Delivery note/despatch advice number	BT-16	56273
Delivery date	BT-72	21.08.2026
Buyer's order number	BT-13	4500012345

Where it appears in the XML

ZUGFeRD / CII: ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeDelivery → ram:DespatchAdviceReferencedDocument → ram:IssuerAssignedID
XRechnung / UBL: cac:DespatchDocumentReference → cbc:ID

Why it pays off

Recipients with automated invoice checking match the invoice, order, goods receipt, and delivery note against one another. If the delivery note reference is present, this matching runs without any manual intervention – the invoice is approved and paid faster.

How TaxLayer handles it

TaxLayer detects the delivery note or despatch advice number from the document and maps it as DespatchAdviceReferencedDocument (BT-16). In the review step you see the reference as a dedicated field and can adjust it before generation.

Conclusion

The delivery note reference (BT-16) is optional, but valuable for automated processing at the customer's end. Make sure it is mapped into the e-invoice as the Despatch Advice Reference.

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Frequently asked questions

What is BT-16 in EN 16931?

BT-16 is the identifier of the despatch advice or delivery note (Despatch Advice Reference) – the number under which the associated delivery is documented.

Where does the delivery note number appear in the ZUGFeRD XML?

In ZUGFeRD/CII in the delivery block as ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeDelivery → ram:DespatchAdviceReferencedDocument → ram:IssuerAssignedID. In XRechnung/UBL as cac:DespatchDocumentReference → cbc:ID.

What is the delivery note reference for?

It links the invoice to the delivery. This lets the customer automatically match the invoice to the goods receipt and the delivery note – important for automated invoice checking.

Is BT-16 mandatory?

No, BT-16 is optional. Where deliveries are documented with delivery notes, however, the reference is very useful and is expected by many recipients.

Does TaxLayer map the delivery note reference?

Yes. TaxLayer detects the delivery note/despatch advice number and maps it as DespatchAdviceReferencedDocument (BT-16); it is visible and editable as a field in the review step. See also Delivery Date (BT-72).