The German Government, which had already confirmed a progressive timetable for the mandatory nature of B2B electronic invoicing, is now going towards the unification of the platforms used by the different federal states.
This was a problem that questioned both companies and citizens, considering the German tax structure, which operates by region (Bundesland) and represents a significant change in communications with public administrations.
Current overview of B2G e-invoicing in Germany
Since 2020, the electronic invoicing is mandatory in commercial relations with German public administrations, following the European directive 2014/55/EU. However, one of the biggest challenges has been the coexistence of multiple platforms and technical requirements in the different federal states (Länder), creating complexity and administrative burden for providers operating at the national level.
Until now, each state could choose its own platform for receiving and processing electronic invoices, although all of them had to accept the standard format XRechnung. This diversity of solutions, while allowing for some autonomy, hampered interoperability and increased adaptation costs for companies.
B2G billing news in Germany
The most significant innovation in recent months is the move towards unification of platforms of receiving electronic invoices at the federal level. The objective is to simplify and harmonize the process, facilitating regulatory compliance and reducing technical barriers for suppliers.
Important facts and features:
• Centralization on the OZG-RE platform: the ZRE platform will be integrated into OZG-RE, creating a single portal for sending eInvoices to the central administration. The ZRE platform will no longer be available as of mid-2025.
• Accepted formats: ZugFerd, Peppol UBL and XRechnung, as indicated by the authorities (KoSit - Koordinierungstelle für IT-Standards).
• Reduction of independent platforms: with this integration, the number of independent platforms is significantly reduced, simplifying the landscape for companies and improving document traceability.
• Peppol network providers will not have to make changes. Your invoices are automatically redirected to the new connection point.
• Federated states that do not choose the Core Invoice User Specification (CIUS) and prefer their own electronic invoice standard will also be required to offer the connection by Peppol.
• Leitweg-ID: mandatory field provided by the Public Administration to the issuer of the electronic invoice, so that the issuer can add it to the invoice before sending it.
What does it mean for supplier companies?
For suppliers, these changes represent a simpler and more predictable environment. Companies that bill to different federal states will no longer have to adapt their processes to multiple platforms, but will be able to centralize their communications through OZG-RE.
However, it is essential that companies keep an eye on the specific requirements that may remain in some Länder and update their systems to ensure compliance with the regulations and the XRechnung format.
Invictia: Brait's solution for invoicing in Germany in an SAP system
At Brait, we closely follow all regulations and accompany our clients in the adaptation and optimization of their operations in Germany, as well as the regulatory compliance of electronic invoicing at a global level.
For that very reason, we have developed Invictia, a connector for SAP which is already helping dozens of companies to adapt quickly to new tax requirements in any country. Our clients include companies such as Bayer, Schneider Electric, Griffins, Saba or Talgo who already trust Invictia.
If you want to know a specific example, you can read this success story, where not only has the SAP system been adapted for the reception and issuance of electronic invoices, but the entire billing cycle has been optimized through the automation of the high volume of customer invoices. All this, with the same solution (Invictia) and without leaving the SAP environment.
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