The id attribute is the QIF id of the characteristic, used for referencing.
Source
<xs:complexType name="WeldVCharacteristicItemType"><xs:annotation><xs:documentation>The WeldVCharacteristicItemType defines a V weld characteristic item.</xs:documentation></xs:annotation><xs:complexContent><xs:extension base="WeldCharacteristicItemBaseType"/></xs:complexContent></xs:complexType>