Overview

To support compliance with German e-invoicing requirements, we are introducing an update to how SmartPDF validates ZUGFeRD invoices processed through the XML data conversion flow.

As part of this change, SmartPDF will no longer accept ZUGFeRD documents that use the Minimum or BasicWL profiles.

 

What Is Changing?

SmartPDF will validate the ZUGFeRD profile contained within the submitted invoice and reject documents using the following profiles:

• Minimum
• BasicWL

Only ZUGFeRD profiles that comply with the German e-invoicing requirements will be accepted, including:

- urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017#conformant#urn:factur-x.eu:1p0:extended  

- urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017

- urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017#compliant#urn:factur-x.eu:1p0:basic

- urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017#compliant#urn:xeinkauf.de:kosit:xrechnung_3.0

- urn:cen.eu:en16931:2017#compliant#urn:xeinkauf.de:kosit:xrechnung_3.0#conformant#urn:xeinkauf.de:kosit:extension:xrechnung_3.0

 

Current Supported formats: Zugferd: 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3

The ZUGFeRD XML file that is attached to the PDF should have one of the follwing name:

 - factur-x.xml
 - xrechnung.xml
 - zugferd-invoice.xml 

 

Deployment Timeline

Environment	Date
Preproduction	3 September 2026
Production	Planned for 10 September 2026

 

Why Is This Change Being Introduced?

Germany's e-invoicing mandate requires electronic invoices to comply with specific standards. The Minimum and BasicWL profiles do not meet the requirements of the mandate and are therefore not considered compliant electronic invoices.

This update helps ensure that invoices processed through SmartPDF align with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.

 

What Does This Mean for You?

If your suppliers submit ZUGFeRD invoices using the Minimum or BasicWL profiles:

• The invoice will be rejected during processing.
• The supplier will receive a validation error.
• The invoice will need to be regenerated and resubmitted using a supported profile.

If your organization already uses compliant ZUGFeRD profiles such as EN 16931 or Extended, no action is required.

 

Recommended Actions

We recommend that customers:

1. Review ZUGFeRD invoice generation settings with their suppliers.
2. Confirm that suppliers are using compliant ZUGFeRD profiles.
3. Update any invoice generation processes that currently produce Minimum or BasicWL profiles.

Taking these steps in advance will help avoid processing interruptions once the validation change takes effect.

Additional Information

For information about ZUGFeRD profiles and compliance requirements, please refer to the official FERD documentation:

• ZUGFeRD / Factur-X Documentation

 

Will existing invoice processing be impacted?

Only invoices submitted with non-compliant ZUGFeRD profiles (Minimum or BasicWL) will be affected. Invoices using supported profiles will continue to process normally.

What should suppliers do if they receive a validation error?

Suppliers should update their invoice generation solution to produce a supported ZUGFeRD profile and then resubmit the invoice.

Important: To ensure uninterrupted invoice processing and compliance with German e-invoicing requirements, customers should verify that all ZUGFeRD invoices are generated using supported profiles before submitting them to SmartPDF.