XRechnung is now available in the updated version 3.0.1
Starting February 1, 2024, the updated version 3.0.1 of XRechnung will take effect. Under this version, eInvoicing may be sent to receivers connected to the federal government’s “Central Invoice Receipt Portal” (ZRE) or the “Online Access Act-compliant Invoice Receipt Platform” (OZG-RE). With the release of the new version, the use of the older version 2.3.1 will no longer be permitted. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 4, Paragraph 1 of the Federal E-Invoicing Regulation (E-RechV), the currently valid XRechnung standard is authoritative for the transmission of eInvoicing. The specifications for version 3.0.1 are available on the KoSIT website. Members of the Traffiqx network benefit here from our commitment to keeping all offered services and products up to date. You therefore do not need to worry about technical adjustments due to new versions.
Why are there version updates for XRechnung?
This major release 3.0.1 of the XRechnung standard introduces new mandatory fields (BT-23, BT-34, and BT-49) to simplify invoicing for foreign suppliers and service providers.
These changes result from the harmonization of Peppol BIS Billing and XRechnung. Both formats are now nearly identical, which was not previously the case and caused problems for foreign billers when sending correct invoices to Germany.
Overview of new mandatory fields in XRechnung 3.0.1
BT-23: Business Process Type cbc:ProfileID
This field (BT-23) defines the rules or standards according to which the invoice was created. It enables the invoice recipient to understand the technical processing of the invoice. In an international context, e.g., with Peppol, the ProfileID ensures compatibility between different invoicing systems.
In practice, this means:
A supplier could use “urn:fdc:peppol.eu:2017:poacc:billing:01:1.0” by default, unless the buyer requests a specific adjustment to the business process type (BT-23) in accordance with XRechnung.
BT-34 and BT-49: Electronic addresses of the seller (BT-34) / buyer (BT-49) cbc:EndpointID
These fields require precise details regarding the electronic contact information for the seller (BT-34) and buyer (BT-49). Depending on the selected contact method, a corresponding EAS code (Electronic Address Scheme) must be used.
In practical terms, this means:
A supplier can provide their email address as follows: <cbc:EndpointID schemeID=”EM”>seller@email.de</cbc:EndpointID> to fulfill the mandatory field BT-34. Similarly, an electronic address for the buyer must be provided under BT-49.
Depending on the agreement, alternative electronic addresses may also be provided or requested in accordance with the EAS code list.
To help you understand the new requirements of version 3.0.1, sample calculations prepared in accordance with the current guidelines may be helpful. KoSIT provides such examples on GitHub under XRechnung-Testsuite.
TRAFFIQX® recommends prompt adaptation to the new XRechnung 3.0.1
As experts in straightforward, seamless, and secure electronic invoicing (eInvoicing), we advise all affected invoice issuers to make technical adjustments to their own invoicing systems immediately. In addition, internal testing and training for the invoicing team should be conducted to ensure the efficient implementation of the new features in daily operations.
Incidentally, this is another area where the benefits of being a member of the TRAFFIQX® network—as mentioned earlier—become apparent. This is because customers of TRAFFIQX® providers enjoy the benefits of one of the leading provider networks in Germany, Europe, and the world—even with the regular, individual version updates of various eInvoicing standards such as XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, and a wide range of international formats: You send and receive invoices as usual—and we ensure that this remains the case even with updates, changes, or new standards.
About the Author
Julia Braun is an expert on eInvoice strategy and GoBD at DATEV eG. She is an active member of the International Working Group of the Association for Electronic Invoicing (VeR) and also participates in the cross-functional working group on “Complex Business Transactions” organized by the German Electronic Invoicing Forum (FeRD) and the Coordination Office for IT Standards (KoSIT).
Sound like a lot of work? It is—but not for you!
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Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation right away with our expert Lars Becher, Key Account Manager and Subject Matter Expert for eInvoicing and CTC in the Traffiqx network.
Give him a call: +49 (0)6359 – 9 37 90
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Want to learn more? Schedule your free consultation with our expert Lars Becher, Key Account Manager and Subject Matter Expert for e-invoicing and CTC within the TRAFFIQX® network.
Not a fan of online meetings?
Give him a call: +49 (0)6359 – 9 37 90
or drop him a line at: lars.becher@b4value.net