Generate EU-Compliant Electronic Invoices
ERPkit generates Factur-X electronic invoices from your Dolibarr invoice data. Each document is a PDF/A-3 file with embedded CII XML — human-readable and machine-readable in a single file. Ready for upcoming EU e-invoicing mandates.
What Is Factur-X?
Factur-X is a hybrid electronic invoice format that bridges the gap between traditional PDF invoices and fully structured e-invoicing.
A Factur-X invoice is a PDF/A-3 document — an archival-grade PDF designed for long-term storage. Inside the PDF, an XML file is embedded that contains the same invoice data in a structured, machine-readable format called Cross-Industry Invoice (CII). This means a single file serves two purposes: humans can open and read the PDF like any normal invoice, while accounting software can extract the XML and process the data automatically.
Factur-X is a joint Franco-German standard. In Germany, the same format is known as ZUGFeRD 2.x. Both are based on the European standard EN 16931, which defines a common semantic data model for electronic invoices across the EU. This makes Factur-X invoices interoperable across borders — a Factur-X invoice generated in France can be processed by accounting software in Germany, Italy, or any other EU member state that supports EN 16931.
Unlike purely electronic formats (like UBL or pure CII XML), Factur-X does not require the recipient to have specialized software. They can open the PDF in any reader. The structured data is there for systems that can use it, but the document degrades gracefully for those that cannot.
Why Electronic Invoicing Matters
EU member states are moving toward mandatory electronic invoicing. Preparing now avoids last-minute scrambles and positions your business for compliance.
France: B2B Mandate
France requires all businesses to accept electronic invoices for B2B transactions starting in 2026, with mandatory emission following in 2027. Factur-X is one of the accepted formats. Businesses that generate Factur-X invoices today will be ready when the mandate takes effect.
Germany: ZUGFeRD / XRechnung
Germany has required structured electronic invoices for business-to-government (B2G) transactions since 2020 and is expanding requirements to B2B. ZUGFeRD 2.x (the German name for Factur-X) is a widely accepted format. Generating these invoices now means compliance is already handled.
EU-Wide Direction
The European Commission's ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) initiative is pushing all member states toward mandatory e-invoicing. While timelines vary by country, the direction is clear: structured electronic invoices will be required for most business transactions across the EU within the next few years.
How ERPkit Generates Factur-X Invoices
ERPkit reads invoice data from Dolibarr, generates the CII XML, embeds it in a PDF/A-3 document, and attaches the result to the Dolibarr invoice record.
The generation process starts with a validated Dolibarr invoice. ERPkit extracts the seller and buyer details, line items (descriptions, quantities, unit prices), tax breakdowns, totals, payment terms, and document references. This data is transformed into a CII XML file conforming to the EN 16931 (Comfort) profile.
The XML is then embedded into a PDF/A-3 document that includes the visual invoice layout. The resulting file is a single PDF that can be opened in any PDF reader, emailed to customers, or archived for compliance — while also being fully machine-readable by any system that supports Factur-X or ZUGFeRD 2.x.
The generated Factur-X PDF is attached to the corresponding invoice in Dolibarr. You can download it, send it to customers, or feed it into your electronic invoicing workflow. Because it is generated from the same invoice data that ERPkit creates during Phase 3 (Invoice Creation), the Factur-X document is always consistent with your accounting records.
EN 16931 (Comfort) Profile
ERPkit generates Factur-X invoices using the Comfort profile, which covers the full European standard for B2B and B2G electronic invoicing.
Seller & Buyer Identification
Company name, address, VAT number, and SIRET/SIREN (for French businesses) are included in the XML. Both seller and buyer details are structured according to the EN 16931 data model.
Line Items & Tax Breakdown
Every line item includes product description, quantity, unit price, and applicable tax rate. Tax totals are broken down by rate, with net and gross amounts clearly specified.
Payment Terms & References
Payment due date, payment means (bank transfer, etc.), and IBAN are included. Document references link the Factur-X invoice to the original order and marketplace transaction.
Archival-Grade Format
PDF/A-3 is designed for long-term archival. Unlike standard PDFs, PDF/A documents are self-contained — all fonts, color profiles, and metadata are embedded. This ensures the invoice will render identically in 10 years as it does today.
Add Factur-X When You Need It
Factur-X is an independent add-on that can be purchased on its own — no Core Bundle required. Subscribe when you are ready to generate EU-compliant electronic invoices. See Pricing for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Factur-X?
Factur-X is a hybrid electronic invoice format: a PDF/A-3 document with an embedded CII XML file. The PDF is human-readable and looks like a normal invoice. The XML is machine-readable and can be processed by accounting software automatically. It is based on the European standard EN 16931 and is also known as ZUGFeRD 2.x in Germany.
Is Factur-X mandatory?
Not yet for all businesses, but EU mandates are coming. France requires B2B e-invoicing acceptance starting 2026 and emission starting 2027. Germany requires structured e-invoices for B2G and is expanding to B2B. The EU-wide ViDA initiative is pushing all member states toward mandatory e-invoicing. Adopting Factur-X now avoids last-minute compliance scrambles.
Which Factur-X profile does ERPkit generate?
ERPkit generates the EN 16931 (Comfort) profile. This includes seller and buyer identification, line items with descriptions and quantities, tax breakdowns, payment terms, and document references. It covers the full European standard for B2B and B2G invoicing in France, Germany, and other EU markets.
Other Sync Phases
Factur-X is one of five phases in the ERPkit sync pipeline. Explore the other phases below.
Order Import
Import marketplace orders into Dolibarr with customer matching and deduplication.
Learn moreGet Ahead of EU E-Invoicing Mandates
Add Factur-X to generate compliant electronic invoices from Dolibarr. One file, human-readable and machine-readable.