Factur-X: The e-Invoice Everyone Can Read
Readable PDF and structured data in a single file: Factur-X, the universal e-invoicing format, built into your Cecurity approved platform.
The most widely readable e-invoicing format
Multiple profiles, maximum security
Factur-X transmission via our Approved Platform
DEFINITION OF FACTUR-X
What is Factur-X? A PDF and data in a single file
A PDF everyone can read
A Factur-X invoice opens like a standard PDF. Your customer can view it without any special software. Technically, it’s a PDF/A-3, a format designed to embed attachments.
XML for Software
The PDF also embeds an XML file containing the invoice’s structured data. Accounting and invoicing software reads this data directly, with no re-keying or OCR.
A European standard
Factur-X complies with the EN 16931 semantic standard. Factur-X itself is a Franco-German format, promoted in France by the FNFE-MPE. Its German counterpart is ZUGFeRD.
E-INVOICING
Factur-X, UBL, CII: how the 3 invoice formats differ?
The e-invoicing mandate provides for three structured formats. Factur-X is the only hybrid one. The other two are pure XML files that cannot be read without dedicated software.
HOW IT WORKS?
4 steps to switch to the Factur-X format
Connect your tool
eFacture connects to your management software or ERP via API. You have nothing to do: data flows are automated, which makes it ideal for high volumes. Prefer not to use the API? Upload your invoices directly to eFacture, Cecurity’s approved platform.
Generate your Factur-X invoices
eFacture converts your PDFs to Factur-X. The data is extracted, structured and embedded in the file. Each invoice is checked before it is sent.
Submit Your Invoices
Each customer receives their invoice through the channel they have chosen. Regulatory data is sent to the tax authorities.
Track and Archive
WHY CHOOSE FACTUR-X
Factur-X: Benefits for You and Your Customers
A PDF anyone can read
Your customers always receive a PDF. They can review it even without invoicing software.
Mandate-compliant
Factur-X is one of the three electronic invoice formats approved by the tax authorities.
Archived with legal admissibility
The Cecurity advantage: your invoices are archived for 10 years and remain available in the event of a tax audit.
No re-entry
The data is captured by the accounting software. There are no data entry errors—everything happens instantly.
Always up to date
Cecurity's eFacture always uses the latest version of the format to ensure the highest level of security.
Certified Security
ISO 27001, NF 461, hosting in a SecNumCloud environment, Peppol access point: your data remains protected.
PROFILES
The 5 Factur-X Profiles
Factur-X comes in five profiles. Each offers a different level of detail to match your needs. Cecurity recommends the best Factur-X profile for your industry.
Electronic invoicing starts here.
E-INVOICING MANDATE
Is the Factur-X format mandatory?
No. Your invoices must use one of three structured formats. Factur-X is one of them.
The mandate requires e-invoicing, but the choice of format is yours. Factur-X, UBL and CII are the three valid options. They replace the plain PDF invoice, which no longer counts as an e-invoice.
From 1 September 2026, all businesses subject to VAT must be able to receive e-invoices. Large companies and mid-caps must also issue them. SMEs and micro-businesses will follow on 1 September 2027.
All these invoices are routed through an approved platform (PA, formerly PDP). The platform transmits the invoice, sends the data to the tax authorities and ensures traceability.
Why switch to Factur-X with Cecurity?
Cecurity is one of the first approved platforms registered with the DGFiP. We take part in working groups on the mandate. Our infrastructure is built around our clients’ needs and handles over 300 million invoices a year.
Factur-X, UBL or CII: whatever the format, choose a recognised, multi-certified expert. As a subsidiary of the Isagri Group, we have over 25 years’ experience in secure digitisation.
ISO 27001, NF 461, SecNumCloud hosting, Peppol access point: our certifications go above and beyond. Benefit from the highest level of security, plus archiving with legal admissibility for 10 years after issue.
LEARN MORE?
Video: Understand Factur-X in 3 minutes
In this video, Raphaël Aparicio, Director of Products and R&D at Cecurity, explains what the Factur-X standard involves and the benefits of adopting this e-invoice format.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Factur-X Format
To the naked eye, a Factur-X invoice looks just like a standard PDF. To be sure, open it in a PDF reader and check the attachments pane. If an XML file appears, it’s most likely a Factur-X.
A standard PDF only displays the invoice. To extract its data automatically, you need OCR, a character recognition process prone to errors. Factur-X embeds this data in an XML file compliant with the EN 16931 standard. Software retrieves it automatically and reliably.
No. The reform mandates a structured format: Factur-X, UBL, or CII. Factur-X is the only one that is human-readable. This convenience makes it the preferred format for many companies.
You need to generate the invoice data in XML and then embed it in a PDF/A-3 file. Your software may be able to generate Factur-X files directly. Otherwise, a conversion service can convert your existing PDFs. eFacture, Cecurity’s certified platform, can do both.
Yes, for transactions between VAT-registered businesses established in France. As of September 1, 2026, these invoices must be processed through an approved platform registered with the DGFiP.
The EN 16931 profile covers all the data in the European standard. It is the reference profile. With eFacture, the choice is made for you.
Yes, in essence. ZUGFeRD is the German equivalent of Factur-X. The two formats share the same specifications. A Factur-X file can be read by a ZUGFeRD-compatible system, and vice versa.