Berlin / Paris, 10 June 2026 – FERD (Germany) and FNFE-MPE (France) have jointly published ZUGFeRD 2.5 and Factur-X 1.09. The new version of this hybrid invoice format is available as of 10 June 2026 and should be used from 1 July 2026. The update introduces revised EN 16931 validation rules and new elements for interoperability with the mandatory French B2B e-invoicing programme starting 1 September 2026.
What is ZUGFeRD 2.5 / Factur-X 1.09?
ZUGFeRD 2.5 and Factur-X 1.09 are two names for the same standard: a hybrid invoice format in which a PDF invoice contains embedded structured XML data. This makes the invoice both human-readable and machine-processable. The standard is widely used in Germany and France and is compliant with the European norm EN 16931. For a full overview of the German e-invoicing mandate and the role of ZUGFeRD and XRechnung, see our blog post: German e-invoicing mandate 2025: XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and what exporters need to arrange.
What is new in version 2.5 / 1.09?
- Updated code lists and validation artefacts (EN 16931): code lists have been brought in line with the latest EN 16931 publications. This may affect ERP configurations and validation software.
- Sub-line management: the new version supports subtotal lines and invoice lines for composite products (kits, bundles, product combinations), a long-requested extension particularly in manufacturing and wholesale.
- New EXTENDED profile elements for the French market: ZUGFeRD 2.5 / Factur-X 1.09 includes additional fields in the EXTENDED profile aligned with the technical requirements of the French B2B mandate and the certified Plateformes Agréées. A second release covering gross invoices follows later in 2026.
What do you need to do?
If you invoice customers in Germany or France, action is advisable. Check whether your accounting or ERP software will incorporate the version update before 1 July 2026. For most packages, this happens automatically via a software update. Ask your vendor for confirmation if you are unsure.
If you use a Peppol Service Provider to deliver invoices to the French or German market, use our comparison tool to check which Service Providers support ZUGFeRD and Factur-X.
