This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UBL syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally
in this TS. If later versions of UBL support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated. For earlier versions (from UBL 2.1 onwards) also a solution is presented.

  • Draft
    268 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UN/CEFACT XML Industry Invoice syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally in this TS. If later versions of the UN/CEFACT XML Industry Invoice support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated. For earlier versions (from D16B onwards) also a solution is presented.

  • Draft
    151 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UN/EDIFACT INVOIC syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally in this TS. If later versions of the UN/EDIFACT INVOIC support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated.

  • Draft
    210 pages
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This document specifies a semantic data model of the core elements of an Electronic invoice. The semantic data model includes only the essential information elements that an Electronic invoice needs to ensure legal (including fiscal) compliance and to enable interoperability for cross-border, cross sector and domestic trade. The semantic data model can be applied by organizations in the private and the public sector for public procurement invoicing. It can also be used for invoicing between private sector enterprises. It has not been specifically designed for invoicing consumers.
This document complies at least with the following criteria:
— it is technologically neutral;
— it is compatible with relevant international standards on electronic invoicing;
— the application of this standard should comply with the requirements for the protection of personal data of Directive 95/46/EC, having due regard to the principles of privacy and data protection bydesign, data minimization, purpose limitation, necessity and proportionality;
— it is consistent with the relevant provisions of Directive 2006/112/EC [2];
— it allows for the establishment of practical, user-friendly, flexible and cost-efficient electronic invoicing systems;
— it takes into account the special needs of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as of subcentral contracting authorities and contracting entities;
— it is suitable for use in commercial transactions between enterprises.

  • Standard
    163 pages
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This European Standard establishes a semantic data model of the core elements of an electronic invoice. The semantic model includes only the essential information elements that an electronic invoice needs to ensure legal (including fiscal) compliance and to enable interoperability for cross-border, cross sector and for domestic trade. The semantic model may be used by organizations in the private and the public sector for public procurement invoicing. It may also be used for invoicing between private sector enterprises. It has not been specifically designed for invoicing consumers.
This European Standard complies at least with the following criteria:
-   it is technologically neutral;
-   it is compatible with relevant international standards on electronic invoicing;
-   the application of this standard should comply with the requirements for the protection of personal data of Directive 95/46/EC, having due regard to the principles of privacy and data protection by-design, data minimization, purpose limitation, necessity and proportionality;
-   it is consistent with the relevant provisions of Directive 2006/112/EC [2];
-   it allows for the establishment of practical, user-friendly, flexible and cost-efficient electronic invoicing systems;
-   it takes into account the special needs of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as of sub-central contracting authorities and contracting entities;
-   it is suitable for use in commercial transactions between enterprises.

  • Standard
    163 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This document describes how trading partners may extend the Core Invoice Model and the related business rules and code lists, to support business cases that are specific to their trading environment, while at the same time maintaining semantic interoperability with the Core Invoice Model.
This document does not define a methodology for creation of a Core Invoice Usage Specification, nor does it describe the detailed process of syntax binding.

  • Technical specification
    38 pages
    English language
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This document describes how trading partners may extend the Core Invoice Model and the related business rules and code lists, to support business cases that are specific to their trading environment, while at the same time maintaining semantic interoperability with the Core Invoice Model.
This document does not define a methodology for creation of a Core Invoice Usage Specification, nor does it describe the detailed process of syntax binding.

  • Technical specification
    38 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This Technical Specification (TS) specifies the methodology of the mapping between the semantic model of an electronic invoice, included in EN 16931-1 and a syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Identification scheme identifiers) it should be defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated.

  • Technical specification
    17 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This Technical Specification (TS) specifies the methodology of the mapping between the semantic model of an electronic invoice, included in EN 16931-1 and a syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Identification scheme identifiers) it should be defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated.

  • Technical specification
    17 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UN/EDIFACT INVOIC syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally in this TS. If later versions of the UN/EDIFACT INVOIC support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated.

  • Draft
    210 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UBL syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally
in this TS. If later versions of UBL support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated. For earlier versions (from UBL 2.1 onwards) also a solution is presented.

  • Draft
    268 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

This CEN Technical Specification (TS) contains the mapping between the semantic data model of an electronic invoice (EN 16931-1) and the UN/CEFACT XML Industry Invoice syntax. For each element in the semantic model (including sub-elements or supplementary components such as Code List identifiers) it is defined which element in the syntax is to be used to contain its information contents. Any mismatches between semantics, format, cardinality or structure are indicated. Any rules to be followed when using the specific syntax are stated informally in this TS. If later versions of the UN/CEFACT XML Industry Invoice support the semantics more accurately, this is indicated. For earlier versions (from D16B onwards) also a solution is presented.

  • Draft
    151 pages
    English language
    e-Library read for
    1 day

Frequently Asked Questions

A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.

M/621 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Commission Implementing Decision C(2026) 2979 as regards a European Standard on electronic invoicing and a set of European standardization deliverables pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012.". Commission Implementing Decision C(2026) 2979 as regards a European Standard on electronic invoicing and a set of European standardization deliverables pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. There are 12 standards developed under this mandate.

Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.