Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base

What is Cross Industry Invoice (CII) ZUGFeRD 2.0? and How Does It Work in the Webplanex App/Plugin?

By Vaishnavi
Updated on July 29, 2026

Cross Industry Invoice (CII) is a standardized XML-based electronic invoice format developed by UN/CEFACT. It is one of the approved syntaxes for the European e-invoicing standard EN 16931.

ZUGFeRD 2.0 is a hybrid e-invoice format that combines:

  • A human-readable PDF/A-3 invoice, and
  • An embedded CII XML file containing structured invoice data.

This allows the same invoice to be read by people and automatically processed by accounting, ERP, and tax systems. ZUGFeRD 2.0 is widely used for B2B, B2G, and B2C transactions.

How to Enable ZUGFeRD 2.0in Webplanex Invoice /Plug-in ?

Follow these steps to enable ZUGFeRD 2.0in the Plugin/App settings:

  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, choose ZUGFeRD 2.0..
  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 ZUGFeRD 2.0 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 ZUGFeRD 2.0 invoice for your orders.

Benefits of CII ZUGFeRD 2.0

 

  • Standardized Format– Ensures consistent invoice exchange across different systems and industries.
  • Automated Processing with no manual data entry.
  • EN 16931 compliant, helping meet European e-invoicing requirements.
  • Human-readable and machine-readable in a single invoice.
  • Reduces errors by eliminating manual input.
  • Faster invoice approval and payment through automated workflows
  • Compatible with ERP and accounting systems improving integration.
  • Supports long-term archiving – using the PDF/A-3 format
  • Environmentally friendly,reducing paper usage and printing costs.
  • Improves interoperabilitybetween businesses across different industries and countries.

 

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