The id attribute is the QIF id of the characteristic, used for referencing.
Source
<xs:complexType name="UserDefinedAreaCharacteristicItemType"><xs:annotation><xs:documentation>The UserDefinedAreaCharacteristicItemType is a characteristic item specified by the user that is measured in area units.</xs:documentation></xs:annotation><xs:complexContent><xs:extension base="AreaCharacteristicItemBaseType"/></xs:complexContent></xs:complexType>