E-invoicing
Invoice TypesThe exchange of an invoice in a structured digital format that can be processed automatically by the buyer's accounting system.
Detailed Explanation
Examples
- An Italian supplier sends a FatturaPA e-invoice through the SDI exchange system
- A French B2B seller submits a Factur-X invoice via a partner dematerialization platform (PDP)
Quick Q&A
What is E-invoicing?
The exchange of an invoice in a structured digital format that can be processed automatically by the buyer's accounting system.
What does "E-invoicing" mean?
E-invoicing (electronic invoicing) is not the same as emailing a PDF. A true e-invoice is sent as structured data — typically XML or JSON in a format such as Peppol BIS, UBL, Factur-X, or ZUGFeRD — so the buyer's ERP or accounting software can read every field (line item, VAT, due date) without OCR or manual entry. Many countries now require e-invoicing for B2G and increasingly for B2B transactions, often with real-time reporting to the tax authority (Italy's SDI, France's PPF/PDP, Spain's Verifactu, Saudi Arabia's ZATCA). Benefits include faster payment cycles, fewer data-entry errors, and lower processing cost per invoice.
When is E-invoicing used?
An Italian supplier sends a FatturaPA e-invoice through the SDI exchange system ; A French B2B seller submits a Factur-X invoice via a partner dematerialization platform (PDP)