EN 16931‑1, the EU e‑invoicing standard, is being updated to a mid‑2026 release that expands B2B functionality and aligns with the ViDA initiative. The revision is not backward compatible, requiring migration for existing version 3 implementations, and will be formally approved in late January 2026 with publication concluding within six months. Key national roll‑outs include Germany’s XRechnung 4.0 and France’s CTC extensions.
The formal publication process is expected to conclude in mid‑2026, following a unanimous vote in late January 2026 and a 6‑month completion period.
No, the update is not backward compatible; existing version 3 implementations must plan migration due to new business terms and syntax changes.
The update adds support for multiple purchase orders or delivery notes within a single invoice, multiple buyer references, and business identifiers for buyers.
Germany is planning XRechnung 4.0, France is aligning CTC extensions, and other European countries are expected to adopt the update.
They will be formally voted on in July 2026.
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