ZUGFeRD is a German hybrid e-invoice format: a PDF/A-3 that people can read, with a CII XML file inside that software can process. It is maintained by FeRD, the German Forum on Electronic Invoicing, and is technically the same as the French Factur-X. The current release is 2.5.2. The BMF recognises ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1 as an e-invoice for VAT purposes, except the MINIMUM and BASIC WL profiles.
How is a ZUGFeRD invoice built?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Maintained by | FeRD, together with the French FNFE-MPE (FeRD) |
| Container | PDF/A-3 with an embedded XML file |
| XML syntax | CII |
| Based on | EN 16931 |
| Current release | 2.5.2, paired with Factur-X 1.09.2 (FeRD) |
| Profiles | MINIMUM, BASIC WL, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED, XRECHNUNG |
The PDF and the XML must describe the same invoice. If they differ, the XML counts.
Which profiles count as e-invoices?
The Federal Ministry of Finance accepts ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1 as an e-invoice, except the MINIMUM and BASIC WL profiles, which do not carry all the data EN 16931 requires (BMF FAQ). Those two profiles are a PDF with booking data, not an e-invoice. See e-invoicing in Germany.
What can Klarbon do with ZUGFeRD?
| Task | Tool |
|---|---|
| Read the embedded data | Open a ZUGFeRD invoice, free |
| Check supported XML profiles against selected rules, in beta | Validate a ZUGFeRD invoice |
| Convert a supported structured e-invoice to ZUGFeRD, in beta | Convert an e-invoice |
Reading plain PDF invoices is not available yet.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is a ZUGFeRD invoice a PDF?
Yes and no. It is a PDF/A-3 that people can read, with an XML file inside that software reads. The XML is the invoice that counts.
Which ZUGFeRD profiles are valid e-invoices in Germany?
The BMF recognises ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1, except MINIMUM and BASIC WL. Use a profile supported by your version and accepted by the recipient; the XRECHNUNG profile was added after version 2.0.1.
Are ZUGFeRD and Factur-X the same?
Technically yes. Since ZUGFeRD 2.1 and Factur-X 1.0 the two are aligned; the current pair is ZUGFeRD 2.5.2 and Factur-X 1.09.2.
Sources
- FeRD, ZUGFeRD ferd-net.de
- FeRD, ZUGFeRD 2.5.2 published ferd-net.de
- Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF), FAQ on e-invoicing bundesfinanzministerium.de
Related
Also as an API: ZUGFeRD and Factur-X API