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E-invoicing: simple, digital, and forward-looking.

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E-invoicing: simple, digital, and forward-looking.

There’s no need for invoices to end up as piles of paper. With DPD's electronic invoicing you will save time, reduce costs and remain on the safe side legally.

Sustainable & paperless

Reduce your carbon footprint and save on printing and mailing costs.

Digital & secure

Digital records can be accessed and searched through at any time, and conveniently archived.

Legally compliant & future-proof

They comply with all current and future legal requirements.

Why switch to digital invoices now?

Since 1 January 2025, all companies in Germany must be in a position to receive electronic invoices. Even though the obligation to issue e-invoices will not come into effect until later, it is worth making the switch early: you will make your processes more modern and efficient and be well prepared for future requirements.

This is how electronic invoicing currently works at DPD:

We provide your invoices in a standardised format:

• A PDF file as the main document, which is easy to read and archive.
• A CSV file with detailed invoice items, ideal for further processing in your own systems.

The files are automatically generated from our billing system and sent either by email or via a secure SFTP connection.

The planned introduction of structured e-invoices

We are already preparing for upcoming statutory requirements in Germany. From 2027, large companies will be required to send their invoices in a structured electronic format (e.g. XRechnung or ZUGFeRD).

DPD will implement these formats in good time. Until then, we will continue to work with the tried-and-tested method (PDF and CSV), while at the same time developing the technical basis for a smooth transition.

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Important deadlines at a glance

  1. Since 01.01.2025: obligation to accept electronic invoices.

  2. From 2027: obligation to send e-invoices to companies with a previous year's turnover of more than €800,000 with the firm issuing the invoice. For companies with a previous year's turnover of less than €800,000, this deadline will be extended until the end of 2027.

  3. From 2028: mandatory sending of e-invoices for almost all companies (exceptions possible for small businesses).

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Frequently asked questions

Who is affected by the obligation to issue/receive e-invoices?

All companies based in Germany. Since January 2025 they have had to be able to receive electronic invoices. Sending electronic invoices will become mandatory in stages from 2027.

Will a PDF be sufficient in future?

No. A PDF is only an image file and is not machine-readable. From 2027 onwards, invoices will have to be transmitted in a structured format (e.g., XRechnung or ZUGFeRD), so that they can be processed automatically and recognised for tax purposes.

What formats does DPD support at the moment?

We currently provide you with invoices in PDF format as well as a supplementary CSV file. Accordingly, we already offer you a digital solution that simplifies your processes.

How are DPD’s invoices delivered?

We send your invoices either by email or via a secure SFTP connection—whichever suits your requirements.

Can I continue to receive paper invoices?

Only as a transitional measure. In the long term, we strongly recommend switching completely to electronic invoices in order to remain legally compliant.

What actually is an XRechnung (XInvoice)?

The XRechnung (XInvoice) is a standardised electronic invoice format developed in Germany. It is specifically intended for use with public sector customers, but is also increasingly being used by companies. The major advantage is that the XRechnung is purely data-based and machine-readable, which means it can be processed without manual intervention.

What does ZUGFeRD represent?

ZUGFeRD (Central User Guide of the German Electronic Invoice Forum) is a hybrid invoice format. It combines a PDF file (which is visually readable) with an embedded XML file containing the structured invoice data. This allows both humans and IT systems to use the invoices without any problems.

Which invoice format is the right one for me?

That depends on your requirements:
• If you work with public sector customers, XRechnung is often mandatory.
• For business partners who prefer a visual invoice, ZUGFeRD is suitable as it combines both.

Does DPD support the new legally required invoice formats?

We currently work with PDF and CSV. However, we are preparing to introduce XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, so that we can offer you a suitable solution in time for the legal deadline in 2027.

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Prepare now and future-proof your invoicing processes.

Simply contact us by email for further information.

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