What is Factur-X? Format and uses explained

Factur-X is a hybrid e-invoice format: a PDF/A-3 that people read, with a CII XML file inside that software processes. It is maintained by the French FNFE-MPE together with the German FeRD, and is technically the same as ZUGFeRD. The current release is 1.09.2. It is one of the three formats the French e-invoicing reform accepts, alongside UBL and CII.

How is a Factur-X invoice built?

Property	Value
Maintained by	FNFE-MPE and FeRD (FNFE-MPE)
Container	PDF/A-3, with the XML attached as `factur-x.xml`
XML syntax	CII
Based on	EN 16931
Current release	1.09.2, paired with ZUGFeRD 2.5.2
Profiles	MINIMUM, BASIC WL, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED

Both parts must describe the same invoice. MINIMUM and BASIC WL carry header data, not the full detail EN 16931 requires.

Where is Factur-X used?

In France it is one of the base formats of the e-invoicing reform from September 2026, sent and received through an approved platform (plateforme agréée) (impots.gouv.fr). In Germany the same file is known as ZUGFeRD. See e-invoicing in France.

What can Klarbon do with Factur-X?

Task	Tool
Read the embedded data	Open a Factur-X invoice, free
Check supported XML profiles against selected rules, in beta	Validate a Factur-X invoice
Convert a supported structured e-invoice to Factur-X, in beta	Convert an e-invoice

Reading plain PDF invoices is not available yet.

Klarbon is not a plateforme agréée and does not send invoices.

Frequently asked questions

Is a PDF with an XML attachment automatically Factur-X?

No. Factur-X needs a PDF/A-3 file, a CII XML file with the right name and profile, and matching data in both. A PDF/A-3 alone is not Factur-X.

Is Factur-X accepted under the French e-invoicing reform?

Yes. Factur-X is one of the three base formats, with UBL and CII, that the approved platforms must accept. The invoice still travels through an approved platform.

Which Factur-X profile should I use?

Use the profile the recipient or platform specifies. BASIC includes essential line data; EN 16931 covers the European model and EXTENDED adds data. MINIMUM and BASIC WL do not carry invoice lines.

What is Factur-X?