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A hybrid format that contains both a structured XML file and a visually readable PDF file. It combines the advantages of both formats.
ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland) is a Franco-German format for electronic invoices that combines XML data based on the UN/CEFACT standard and a visual PDF/A document. This hybrid format enables integration into existing business processes and IT systems in order to facilitate the sending and receiving of invoices and minimize manual processing.
Hybrid format: A ZUGFeRD invoice contains both a PDF/A document, which serves as a human-readable representation, and an XML file, which contains the structured data and can be processed automatically.
Interoperability: Thanks to the combination of PDF and XML, ZUGFeRD invoices can be read by both humans and machines, which increases interoperability between different systems.
Legal certainty: ZUGFeRD fulfills the legal requirements for electronic invoices in Germany and the EU, including archiving obligations.
Cost efficiency: By automating invoice processing, companies can reduce costs associated with the manual processing of invoices.
Simple implementation: Companies can use ZUGFeRD without extensive adjustments to their existing processes and systems, as the format is largely standardized.
A typical ZUGFeRD invoice contains the following main components:
ZUGFeRD offers various profiles to meet different needs:
A ZUGFeRD invoice is typically structured as follows:
Reduces manual effort and the error rate.
Faster processing and payment of invoices.
Reduces paper consumption.
Better traceability and documentation of invoicing processes.
ZUGFeRD is increasingly being adopted by companies and public institutions in Germany and the EU and represents an important step towards digital transformation and efficient business processes.
With DocBits you can even create a ZUGFeRD file from a conventional PDF invoice. And it’s really easy. The only thing you need to do is:
