One file.
PDF and XML.
NOLTAnet now supports electronic invoices in the ZUGFeRD 2.4.0 format. The hybrid format combines a human-readable PDF with structured, machine-readable XML data in a single file – and thus completely replaces XRechnung, which was previously generated separately.
One format for all recipients
Since the XML component of ZUGFeRD complies with the European standard EN 16931, the format is equally suitable for business customers (B2B) and public administration (B2G). There is no need for a second method of invoicing.
01What is changing?
Until now, XRechnungen have been generated as pure XML files for electronic invoicing. With the current update, NOLTAnet is switching to ZUGFeRD 2.4.0 . Since this format meets the requirements of EN 16931 and also meets the requirements of public administration via its XRechnung profile, it covers all previous applications. The separate generation of an XRechnung is thus no longer necessary and is no longer necessary.
02The hybrid format at a glance
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01
PDF and XML in one file
ZUGFeRD embeds the structured invoice data directly in a PDF/A-3. Recipients receive a visually verifiable document and machine-readable data at the same time – without media discontinuity.
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02
Compliant with EN 16931
The XML component follows the European standard for electronic invoicing and thus meets the legal requirements for e-invoicing.
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03
B2B and B2G covered
The integrated XRechnung profile can be used to issue invoices to both business customers and public clients – with a single format.
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04
Backward compatible
ZUGFeRD 2.4.0 is fully compatible with the previous 2.x versions. Existing recipient systems can continue to process invoices.
03ZUGFeRD 2.4.0 in comparison
| Feature | XRechnung (so far) | ZUGFeRD 2.4.0 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | XML-only file | Hybrid: PDF + Embedded XML |
| Readability | Machine readable only | Human- and machine-readable |
| Standard | EN 16931 | EN 16931 |
| Application area | Primarily B2G | B2B and B2G |
| In NOLTAnet | Not applicable | New standard |
04What does this mean for you?
- The changeover is automatic —no action is required on your part.
- You no longer need a separate format : a ZUGFeRD file covers B2B and B2G recipients alike.
- Recipients receive a visually verifiable PDF and the structured data in a single document.
- Existing XRechnung processes can be merged into the new, uniform format.
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