EN 16931: the European e-invoice standard
EN 16931 is the norm that defines which fields an e-invoice contains and how they relate. It does not describe the XML file itself, but the meaning behind it, the semantic model. That is exactly why XRechnung, Factur-X and Peppol BIS can look different and still meet the same norm.
EN 16931 is the semantic data model of an e-invoice, developed by CEN on behalf of the EU, the basis of Directive 2014/55/EU. It defines named fields (business terms, BT) and groups (business groups, BG), independent of syntax. Two syntaxes are allowed: UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII. National CIUS such as XRechnung build on it. Vera produces EN 16931 compliant files in both syntaxes.
What the norm defines
EN 16931 was developed by CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, on behalf of the European Commission. It is the basis for e-invoicing in public procurement under Directive 2014/55/EU. At its core is the so-called core invoice model: a list of fields and rules a compliant e-invoice must meet, regardless of which XML language it is written in.
Business terms and business groups
The norm describes the invoice through named building blocks. A business term (BT) is a single field, for example BT-5 for the invoice currency or BT-112 for the total amount. A business group (BG) bundles fields, for example BG-25 for a single invoice line. These identifiers are syntax-independent. Only the syntax decides which XML element a BT actually maps to.
Two syntaxes, one model
| Syntax | Origin | Typical formats |
|---|---|---|
| UBL 2.1 | OASIS | XRechnung, Peppol BIS |
| UN/CEFACT CII | UN/CEFACT | Factur-X, ZUGFeRD, XRechnung (CII variant) |
Both syntaxes express the same semantic model in different XML structures. The difference between UBL and CII is covered in its own guide.
CIUS and national variants
A CIUS (Core Invoice Usage Specification) restricts EN 16931 for a country or sector: it makes optional fields mandatory or adds validation rules, but stays within the core model. XRechnung (Germany), HR-CIUS (Croatia) and CIUS-PT (Portugal) are such variants. An extension goes further and adds extra fields. Both remain compatible with the norm.
FAQ
What is EN 16931?
The European norm for the semantic data model of an e-invoice, developed by CEN, the basis of Directive 2014/55/EU.
Which syntaxes does EN 16931 allow?
UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII. Both express the same model. XRechnung and Peppol BIS usually use UBL, Factur-X and ZUGFeRD use CII.
What are Business Terms (BT) and Business Groups (BG)?
Named, syntax-independent building blocks: a BT is a single field (e.g. BT-5 currency), a BG a group (e.g. BG-25 invoice line).
What is a CIUS?
A national or sector-specific restriction of EN 16931 that makes fields mandatory or adds rules without leaving the core model. XRechnung is an example.
Does Vera produce EN 16931 compliant invoices?
Yes, in UBL or CII depending on the target format (XRechnung, Factur-X, Peppol BIS, country-specific CIUS), validated before download.
EN 16931 compliant invoices from the browser
Vera produces XRechnung, Factur-X and Peppol BIS to EN 16931, validated before download. One norm, many target formats.
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