Hybrid PDF/A-3 invoice · active

Factur-X

The French-German hybrid e-invoice format pairing a human-readable PDF/A-3 file with embedded CII XML.

PDF/A-3factur-x.xml

Current version and implementation status

Version noteProfiles aligned with EN 16931 and French reform formats
Statusactive
Reviewed2026-08-02
FamilyHybrid PDF/A-3 invoice
Open official technical source

How to recognize the profile

Do not rely on the file extension alone. Inspect the root namespace, customization/profile identifiers, version values and authority-specific envelope.

  • factur-x.xml
  • AFRelationship=Alternative
  • CII guideline ID

Production validation stack

  1. 1
    PDF/A-3 conformance

    Confirm that the document is well formed and structurally compatible with the intended Factur-X syntax.

  2. 2
    Embedded XML integrity

    Apply semantic and business-rule checks rather than accepting a file merely because it parses.

  3. 3
    CII schema

    Validate currencies, countries, tax categories, units, payment means and other controlled values against the correct release.

  4. 4
    Factur-X profile rules

    Apply the national, network or authority restrictions that narrow the base syntax.

EInvoiceLab’s browser tools provide detection, inspection and technical preflight. A profile is only production-valid after applying the correct official artefacts and obtaining the required network or authority outcome.

Common errors and corrective action

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Wrong embedded file relationship

Locate the relevant field and rule, correct the source mapping, rerun every validation layer, then preserve the final response.

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Mismatched PDF and XML totals

Locate the relevant field and rule, correct the source mapping, rerun every validation layer, then preserve the final response.

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Unsupported profile

Locate the relevant field and rule, correct the source mapping, rerun every validation layer, then preserve the final response.

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Missing metadata

Locate the relevant field and rule, correct the source mapping, rerun every validation layer, then preserve the final response.

Countries using or referencing this profile

Questions people ask

What is Factur-X?

The French-German hybrid e-invoice format pairing a human-readable PDF/A-3 file with embedded CII XML.

How is Factur-X validated?

A production check normally applies PDF/A-3 conformance, Embedded XML integrity, CII schema, Factur-X profile rules. Local browser preflight cannot replace the official validation artefacts or authority outcome.

Which version should I use?

The current research note is: Profiles aligned with EN 16931 and French reform formats. Confirm release notes at the official source before production deployment.

Practical tools

Inspect and prepare Factur-X files