The id attribute is the QIF id of the characteristic, used for referencing.
Source
<xs:complexType name="ProfileCharacteristicItemBaseType" abstract="true"><xs:annotation><xs:documentation>The ProfileCharacteristicItemBaseType is the abstract base type that defines a profile characteristic item.</xs:documentation></xs:annotation><xs:complexContent><xs:extension base="GeometricCharacteristicItemBaseType"/></xs:complexContent></xs:complexType>