EN 16931 is a European Norm published by CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) that defines the semantic data model for a core electronic invoice. It is the legal basis for e-invoicing in EU public procurement under Directive 2014/55/EU.
The standard does not define a file format directly. Instead, it is implemented via two XML syntaxes: UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII. Any compliant invoice must satisfy the EN 16931 business rules validated by Schematron.
Key facts
- Published by CEN (European standards body)
- Mandatory for EU B2G invoicing since April 2019
- Two syntax bindings: UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII
- Forms the basis for ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0