E-invoicing ZUGFeRD FactureX is coming soon

French companies must comply with the the new system the 1 September 2026 for large and medium-sized companies but german companies already in 2025

ZUGFeRD (Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland)

• Overview: ZUGFeRD is a German initiative for the electronic exchange of invoices and stands for “Zentraler User Guide des Forums elektronische Rechnung Deutschland”. It aims to provide a standardized format that combines a human-readable PDF invoice and a machine-readable XML structure.
• Standards: ZUGFeRD invoices conform to the international standard UN/CEFACT CII (Core Invoice Implementation) and are designed to facilitate automatic processing in accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Versions: There are several versions of ZUGFeRD, including ZUGFeRD 1.0, 2.0, and the more recent 2.2, which incorporate enhancements and adapt to specific business needs.
• Usage: This standard is particularly popular in Germany, but it also has implications for cross-border invoicing within the European Union, promoting interoperability.

FactureX

• Overview: FactureX is a similar concept, primarily oriented towards the French market. It involves a standardized electronic invoicing format intended to facilitate the processing and exchange of invoices.
• Standards: Like ZUGFeRD, FactureX provides both a PDF version of the invoice to be viewed by humans and a machine-readable XML version. This dual approach allows businesses to streamline invoicing processes.
• Legislation: The FactureX format aligns with French fiscal regulations, which require specific data to be included in electronic invoices for them to be legally compliant.
• Adoption: This standard is gaining traction in France and is essential for businesses operating within the French jurisdiction to ensure they meet government requirements for electronic invoicing.

Key Differences and Similarities

Regulatory Compliance: Both ZUGFeRD and FactureX ensure that invoices meet the legal requirements of their respective countries for electronic invoicing.

Market Focus: While ZUGFeRD is predominantly used in Germany, FactureX is focused on the French market. However, both aim to enhance the efficiency of invoicing processes in their respective regions.

Format: Both standards use a dual format (PDF and XML) to ensure that invoices can be processed automatically while still being accessible for human verification.

While specific examples of businesses using ZUGFeRD or FactureX are not always publicly disclosed due to privacy reasons, we can discuss different types of organizations and industries that have benefited from adopting these electronic invoicing standards. Here’s how businesses in various sectors have taken advantage of ZUGFeRD and FactureX:

Examples of Businesses Benefiting from ZUGFeRD

1. Logistics and Transportation

• Major logistics companies in Germany, like DHL or DB Schenker, have implemented ZUGFeRD to streamline invoicing with their clients. The ability to send standardized electronic invoices reduces processing time and errors.

2. Manufacturing

• Manufacturing firms such as Siemens have integrated ZUGFeRD into their accounting systems. This adoption allows them to automate invoice processing, leading to faster payment cycles and improved cash flow.

3. Retail

• Retail chains that rely on frequent supplier invoices can benefit from ZUGFeRD by simplifying their accounts payable processes. Companies like Metro AG might leverage this standard to improve interactions with suppliers.

4. Professional Services

• Consulting firms and agency-based businesses (e.g., Accenture) that deal with numerous client billings can automate invoicing and reduce administrative overhead using ZUGFeRD-compliant systems.

5. Public Sector

• Some municipalities and government entities in Germany are moving towards ZUGFeRD to comply with regulations while enhancing transparency in their procurement processes.

Examples of Businesses Benefiting from FactureX

1. Public Administration

• Various French public administration bodies are mandated to use FactureX for handling supplier invoices, allowing them to comply with national regulations and streamline payments.

2. SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)

• Many SMEs in France that supply goods or services to local government agencies benefit from adopting FactureX, as it simplifies and speeds up the invoicing and payment process.

3. Construction Companies

• Larger construction firms that work on public contracts have to adhere to strict invoicing regulations in France, making FactureX an essential tool for compliance and operational efficiency.

4. Consultancy Firms

• French consultancy firms, such as Capgemini, utilize FactureX to ensure that they meet invoicing requirements for both private sector clients and public institutions.

5. Healthcare Providers

• Hospitals and clinics in France that process a large volume of invoices for services can reduce administrative burdens and expedite payments through FactureX.

Organizations across various sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, and public administration benefit from ZUGFeRD and FactureX by improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The implementation of these standards enables businesses to minimize errors and enhance cash flow, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in today’s digital economy.