How CII Works
CII defines a different XML structure than UBL for the same invoice data:
<rsm:CrossIndustryInvoice xmlns:rsm="urn:un:unece:uncefact:...">
<rsm:ExchangedDocumentContext>...</rsm:ExchangedDocumentContext>
<rsm:ExchangedDocument>
<ram:ID>INV-2024-001</ram:ID>
<ram:IssueDateTime>...</ram:IssueDateTime>
</rsm:ExchangedDocument>
<rsm:SupplyChainTradeTransaction>...</rsm:SupplyChainTradeTransaction>
</rsm:CrossIndustryInvoice>CII Namespaces
CII uses different namespace prefixes:
- rsm: Root schema module
- ram: Reusable aggregate components
- qdt: Qualified data types
- udt: Unqualified data types
CII in ZUGFeRD/Factur-X
When you create a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X invoice, the embedded XML file uses CII syntax. The PDF provides human readability; the CII provides machine readability.
Why CII Matters
Hybrid Format Foundation
CII powers ZUGFeRD and Factur-X, the dominant e-invoice formats in Germany and France. If you trade with these countries, you'll likely encounter CII.
EN 16931 Compliant
CII is equally valid as UBL for EN 16931 compliance. XRechnung even supports both syntaxes—you can submit UBL or CII to German government portals.
Supply Chain Integration
CII is part of UN/CEFACT's broader supply chain standards. If you use other UN/CEFACT documents, CII provides consistency.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Understand the Context
If you're creating ZUGFeRD/Factur-X invoices, you're using CII. If you're using Peppol directly, you'll typically use UBL instead.
Step 2: Choose Your Profile
ZUGFeRD/Factur-X support multiple profiles (Minimum to Extended). Choose based on your data requirements and recipient needs.
Step 3: Embed in PDF
For hybrid formats, the CII XML gets embedded in a PDF/A-3 file. Tools handle this automatically, but ensure validation covers both parts.
How Invoice Navigator handles CII
Invoice Navigator fully supports Cross Industry Invoice (CII) syntax as used in ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, and standalone EN 16931 CII invoices. The validation pipeline covers both CII-specific schema rules and the EN 16931 business rules that apply regardless of syntax choice.
View API documentationValidate Your CII Invoice
Check CII syntax and business rule compliance.
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Quick Start: Fix E-Invoice Errors
Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool automatically corrects technical errors in your e-invoices, making them compliant in seconds.
What is Peppol?
Peppol is a secure pan-European network for exchanging standardized electronic business documents, governed by OpenPeppol and connecting over 300,000 organizations across 40+ countries.
Read moreWhat is XRechnung?
XRechnung is Germany's national implementation (CIUS) of the EN 16931 European e-invoicing standard, mandatory for all public sector invoicing in Germany.
Read moreWhat is ZUGFeRD?
ZUGFeRD is a German hybrid e-invoice format that embeds machine-readable XML data inside a human-readable PDF, enabling both automated processing and visual review.
Read more