Knowledge Base

What is Cross Industry Invoice (CII) D16B? and How Does It Work in the Webplanex App/Plugin?

By Vaishnavi
Updated on July 29, 2026

Cross Industry Invoice (CII) D16B> is an XML-based electronic invoice standard developed by UN/CEFACT. It provides a standardized, machine-readable format for exchanging invoices between businesses, ERP systems, and government platforms.

D16B stands for Directory 2016, Release B, one of the most widely adopted versions of the CII standard. It is also one of the two official XML syntaxes supported by the EN 16931 European e-invoicing standard.

How to Enable Cross Industry Invoice (CII) D16B

Follow the steps below to enable Cross Industry Invoice (CII) D16B in the plugin/app settings.

Steps to Configure CII D16B

  1. Open the Plugin/App Settings page
  2. Navigate to the E-Invoice Settings section.
  3. Under Preferred Syntax, select Cross Industry Invoice (CII).
  4. Under Format, chooseCII D16B.
  5. Click Save Settings to apply the changes.

Understanding Tax Classifications

The Taxes section allows you to define how taxes are applied and reported in generated CII D16B invoices.

1. Standard Rate

A Standard Rate is the normal tax rate applied to most goods and services.Use this category when products or services are subject to the regular tax rate in your country. Example : Product,Clothing, Furniture

Here you can select the I.Tax Scheme II.Tax Category III.Reason

2. Reduced Rate

A Reduced Rate is a lower tax rate applied to specific goods or services that receive tax benefits under local regulations.Use this category when government regulations allow a lower tax rate than the standard rate. Example : Medicines ,Essential Food Items,Books

Here you can select the I.Tax Scheme II.Tax Category III.Reason

3. Zero Rate

A Zero Rate means the tax percentage is 0%, but the transaction is still considered a taxable supply.

Here you can select the I.Tax Scheme II.Tax Category III.Reason

How can you Access the File and check Preview ?

Go to the Plugin/App Orders page, where you will find the option to download the CII D16B invoice for your orders.

Benefits of CII D16B

  • Standardized Format– Ensures consistent invoice exchange across different systems and industries.
  • Automated Processing– Eliminates manual data entry by enabling systems to read XML invoices automatically.
  • ERP Integration – Works seamlessly with ERP and accounting software
  • Regulatory Compliance– Supports EN 16931 and various government e-invoicing requirements.
  • Improved Accuracy – Reduces errors through structured invoice data.
  • Faster Processing– Speeds up invoice validation, approval, and payment.
  • Supports Complex Tax Rules – Handles VAT/GST, discounts, charges, and payment details.
  • Better Interoperabilit – Enables smooth invoice exchange between different organizations and platforms.