Code lists for e‑invoicing

A comprehensive reference for the standardized code lists used in electronic invoice formats such as ZUGFeRD and XRechnung. These UN and European standards ensure interoperability and automated processing.

Document types
UNTDID 1001
Document type codes that uniquely identify the kind of document exchanged in electronic business transactions.
Date & time
UNTDID 2005
Date and time qualifiers that label the different kinds of dates used in electronic documents.
Payment terms
UNTDID 4461
Payment means codes that specify payment conditions and methods in e-invoices.
Taxes & duties
UNTDID 5305
Duty and tax category codes that identify the different kinds of taxes on invoices.
VAT exemption
VATEX
VAT exemption reason codes that justify VAT exemptions in e-invoices under the EU VAT Directive.
Addressing
Electronic Address Scheme (EAS)
Identifier scheme codes that specify the type of electronic addresses in Peppol and other networks.
Units of measure
UN/CEFACT Recommendation N°20
Unit of measure codes for standardized representations of quantities, weights and volumes.
Packaging
UN/CEFACT Recommendation N°21
Package type codes that identify the different kinds of packaging used in logistics and shipping.

Why do code lists matter?

Standardized code lists are the foundation of automated processing of electronic business documents. They ensure that different systems can reliably and unambiguously interpret document types, payment terms, tax categories, units of measure and other critical information.

These UN/EDIFACT and UN/CEFACT standards are used in European e-invoice formats such as ZUGFeRD, XRechnung and Peppol, and guarantee interoperability across borders and systems. Implementing these codes correctly is essential for complying with German e-invoicing regulations and the European standard EN 16931.