E-Invoicing set to become mandatory in Germany

As of January 1st, 2025, it will become obligatory for all companies engaged in B2B transactions in Germany to receive e-invoices in line with EN 16931. The permitted formats are CII and UBL (XML), as well as Factur-X/ZUGFeRD (hybrid). Paper-based invoices will remain valid until December 31st, 2026. For one additional year, until December 31st, 2027, this transitional regulation will still apply for invoices issued by companies with less than €800,000 turnover per annum. Existing EDI connections in association with invoices which do not comply with EN 16931 will still be permitted until the end of 2027. However, even during this interim period, companies on the receiving end of “sundry” electronic formats, such as PDF, must explicitly give their consent. As the time and resources associated with implementing this change may be substantial, it is highly advisable to establish the appropriate project structures well in advance. This will facilitate timely implementation within the deadline.

Digitalize billing processes with Retarus E-Invoicing

Efficient process automation, furthermore, enables businesses to achieve significant time and cost savings. With Retarus E-Invoicing, companies digitalize the sending and receiving of invoices. Thanks to closely specified performance indicators for electronic invoices and high levels of data precision, Retarus E-Invoicing customers are in a position to optimize their cash flow and collaboration with suppliers. What’s more, Retarus’ solutions are scalable and can be integrated rapidly, granting the company access to international e-invoicing networks such as PEPPOL within a very short time frame. Every well-known ERP system can be connected without difficulty via EDI and APIs. Hybrid formats, which combine PDF and structured invoice data, for instance ZUGFeRD 2.0, can also be implemented. In this scenario, the Retarus E-Invoicing service digitizes (and structures) the unstructured, analog bills. As a certified PEPPOL access point and member of local e-invoicing associations, Retarus provides its customers with legally compliant e-invoicing services for B2G, B2B and B2C in Europe and around the globe – always adhering to international standards. All data is processed in line with the GDPR in European data centers.

About Retarus

Retarus is a global provider of APIs, gateways, and applications for messaging, email management, and the exchange of structured data for business processes – with top performance, security, and data protection, provided from the company's self-operated data centers around the globe. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, Retarus is owner-managed and proud of its innovation power. The company employs a staff of around 500 at 20 locations on four continents. Retarus' services are leveraged by the world's leading companies. The services are sold directly by Retarus or in close collaboration with selected partners. Analysts constantly commend Retarus' outstanding quality and reliability. More details: www.retarus.com