Published: 10 April 2026
Germany continues to advance its e-invoicing framework through coordinated updates across Peppol, KoSIT, and ZUGFeRD. These developments focus on improving interoperability, expanding technical capabilities, and simplifying implementation, reinforcing Germany’s role in Europe’s transition toward standardized and cross-border digital invoicing.
Central Settlement (ZR) Framework Released
KoSIT has published version 1.0 of its Central Settlement (ZR) processing recommendation, introducing a structured approach for handling settlement-based invoicing scenarios. The release defines standardized technical markers, including identifiers for settlement logic and payment mechanisms, ensuring consistency across implementations.
Peppol Enables Cross-Border Adoption
To support international use, Peppol has released an official English translation of the ZR framework. This step significantly lowers language barriers and facilitates cross-border interoperability, allowing non-German stakeholders to implement the model within the Peppol Interoperability Framework.
ZUGFeRD 2.5 Expands Functional Scope
ZUGFeRD version 2.5, scheduled for release in May 2026, introduces support for gross invoice processing. This enhancement targets industry-specific requirements in sectors such as publishing and petroleum, while maintaining alignment with EN16931 code lists.
Reference Invoices Simplify Implementation
FeRD has also published updated reference invoice templates covering complex scenarios, including construction billing, leasing, reverse-charge transactions, and simplified invoices. These templates provide practical guidance and reduce implementation complexity for businesses.
GEBA Specification Supports Standardized Addressing
Finally, KoSIT has released the English version of the GEBA format specification, enabling standardized business identification within Peppol networks and supporting smoother endpoint registration and interoperability.
(find other details here Germany e-Invoicing)
