XML syntax · active

UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice

The UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice syntax used by EN 16931, Factur-X and ZUGFeRD profiles.

CII XMLFactur-X embedded XMLZUGFeRD embedded XML

Current version and implementation status

Version noteD16B and newer profile bindings; France references D22B for its reform specifications
Statusactive
Reviewed2026-08-02
FamilyXML syntax
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.

  • CrossIndustryInvoice
  • ram:ApplicableHeaderTradeAgreement
  • rsm:CrossIndustryInvoice

Production validation stack

  1. 1
    CII XSD

    Confirm that the document is well formed and structurally compatible with the intended CII syntax.

  2. 2
    EN 16931 rules

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

  3. 3
    Profile rules

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

  4. 4
    Hybrid PDF attachment rules when embedded

    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

!
Incorrect guideline ID

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

!
Missing trade party identifiers

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

!
Tax summary mismatch

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

!
Profile-incompatible elements

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 CII?

The UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice syntax used by EN 16931, Factur-X and ZUGFeRD profiles.

How is CII validated?

A production check normally applies CII XSD, EN 16931 rules, Profile rules, Hybrid PDF attachment rules when embedded. Local browser preflight cannot replace the official validation artefacts or authority outcome.

Which version should I use?

The current research note is: D16B and newer profile bindings; France references D22B for its reform specifications. Confirm release notes at the official source before production deployment.

Practical tools

Inspect and prepare CII files