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