ZUGFeRD
The standard for e-invoices
What are the benefits of the ZUGFeRD standard?
By using the ZUGFeRD standard when sending electronic invoices, you lay the foundation stone for maximising the level of end-to-end digitalisation, from sending invoices to receiving and paying them.
The advantages of the consistency provided by using the ZUGFeRD standard are plain:
- Shorter lead times
- Avoidance of transmission errors
- Quicker payment
- Time and cost savings
With the ZUGFeRD 2.0 standard that was adopted in the Autumn of 2017, you also have a standard that can be used to meet the future requirements of the e-invoice law or e-invoice regulation (E-Rech-VO), even when sending electronic invoices to authorities as an alternative to XRechnung.
What is a ZUGFeRD invoice?
A ZUGFeRD standard invoice consists of two components: a readable document combined with structured data. ZUGFeRD is therefore referred to as a hybrid format. The structured data (XML) is merged with the invoice document in a PDF/A-3 file. The structure of the XML data is defined in the ZUGFeRD standard. The visual representation is available as a PDF document.
What ZUGFeRD variants or profiles are available?
Various variants or profiles are available within the ZUGFeRD standard depending on the requirements.
The ZUGFeRD 1.0 standard defines three variants of the format, ZUGFeRD BASIC – ZUGFeRD COMFORT – ZUGFeRD EXTENDED, each containing a different depth of the agreed data structure.
ZUGFeRD 2.0 is currently available for use in accordance with EU Directive 2014/55/EU in Profile EN 16931. This corresponds to the previous ZUGFeRD COMFORT variant. The other ZUGFeRD 2.0 variants, such as ZUGFeRD BASIC, ZUGFeRD EXTENDED and ZUGFeRD with posting aid without position data are expected soon.
How do I archive a ZUGFeRD invoice?
The provision of ZUGFeRD invoices as PDF/A-3 files means that you can archive them directly, digitally and in GoBD-compliantform.
How do I send an invoice in ZUGFeRD format?
Different options are available to you based on our ‘XimantiX eBeleg Service – Ausgang’ solution for optimised invoicing. One of them is delivery in ZUGFeRD format. Further Information about our optimised Invoicing service can be found on the XimantiX website under XimantiX Services.
Why are we the right service provider for you for converting to ZUGFeRD?
As a specialist provider and service provider in the field of electronic information exchange, we participate in various committees for the enhancement of relevant standards. We are, amongst other things, involved in the development of the ZUGFeRD 2.0 standard.
Our objective is to optimise accounting processes by digitalising them directly from and to ERP systems. We are aware that change is not possible at the push of a button when all your customers and suppliers become involved. We accompany you on the path towards digitalisation with our expertise and solutions.
How does the German electronic invoice forum, “Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland” rate the ZUGFeRD standard?
The ZUGFeRD standard now creates the condition for “quickly, conveniently and easily exchanging invoices electronically between companies and public administrations”, explains Andreas Pelekies, Senior Project Manager, EDI/E-Business, at GS1 Germany and one of the managers of the AP 3 work package, “Technical Standards and ZUGFeRD” in the “Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD)”.
Learn more about ZUGFeRD in the Questions and Answers on the ZUGFeRD standardsection from FeRD.