What is the difference between a schema error and a business rule error in ZATCA?

A schema error means the XML does not conform to the technical structure expected by ZATCA. This can include incorrect XML structure, invalid data types, incorrect element placement, missing required XML elements or invalid values that violate the XML schema.

A business rule error occurs when the XML may be structurally valid but the information does not comply with a specific ZATCA business requirement. Examples include an invalid combination of invoice indicators, incorrect tax calculations, or a missing reference that is mandatory for a particular transaction.

ZATCA's XML Implementation Standard contains both the technical structure and business validation requirements used for electronic invoices.

Key points

• Schema errors concern the technical structure of the XML.
• Business-rule errors concern the meaning or combination of invoice data.
• Schema validation should be completed before business-rule validation.
• Business-rule codes generally identify the specific ZATCA requirement that failed.
• Both types of errors can result in rejection.
• Developers should validate XML locally before submitting it to FATOORA.
• Error handling should preserve the detailed ZATCA validation response for troubleshooting.