In short: On 15 September 2026 KoSIT published a pre-release of XRechnung 4.0 – explicitly not for production use. The final version is expected in spring 2027; XRechnung 3.0 remains valid until at least 31 July 2027. It is based on the revised standard EN 16931-1:2026. If you use the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK you do not need to change anything today: the SDK writes the XML, existing functions stay unchanged, and new information comes as additional functions.
Status and timeline (October 2026)
| What | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EN 16931-1:2026 (English) | ratified, available since March 2026 | German version by DIN by 30 Sep 2026 at the latest |
| XRechnung 4.0 pre-release | 15 Sep 2026 | not for production use |
| XRechnung 4.0 final | expected spring 2027 | depends on when CEN delivers the outstanding syntax bindings and validation artefacts |
| XRechnung 3.0 valid | until at least 31 Jul 2027 | KoSIT sets the exact transition periods with the final bundle |
| old and new EN 16931-1 in parallel | expected until March 2029 | framework for the transition periods |
Your current XRechnung 3.0 invoices remain valid. A switch is only needed once the final version and the transition periods are fixed.
What changes with XRechnung 4.0
Version 4.0 is not free of structural changes. The main points of EN 16931-1:2026 and XRechnung 4.0:
- more than 50 new business terms and 7 new business groups in the core model
- several orders and deliveries in one invoice
- structured information on early-payment discounts (Skonto), late-payment interest and third-party claims
- more detailed delivery information
- XML attachments in the core model
- a new approach to sector extensions (Extension Component Library)
The mapping to the syntaxes CII (ZUGFeRD/Factur-X) and UBL is being revised, probably with updated syntax versions (today UBL 2.1 and CII D16B), together with revised validation artefacts. The fields available today are listed in the BT/BG explorer (German).
What it means for your implementation with the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK
The SDK takes most of this work off your hands:
- The SDK writes the XML, not your application. New syntax versions and changed mappings are handled in the SDK.
- We do not change existing functions. Your current calls – e.g. CreateInvoice, AddProduct_Comfort or SaveXML – keep working with XRechnung 4.0, also for COM clients (VB6, VBA, Delphi).
- New information comes as additional functions, for example for structured early-payment discounts or several orders. You only use them if you need them.
- We add XRechnung 4.0 support as soon as the final version with the official validation artefacts is available. With a valid maintenance contract the upgrade to the new version is free.
Once the final version is fixed, we will describe here what changes and which new SDK functions there are. If an adjustment is needed on your side, it will be described on this page.
Sources
- XStandards Einkauf (KoSIT): EN 16931 – current status and outlook on the introduction of XRechnung 4.0 (German)
- XStandards Einkauf: XRechnung – specification and versions (German)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to switch to XRechnung 4.0 now?
No. The pre-release of 15 September 2026 is not intended for production use. XRechnung 3.0 remains valid until at least 31 July 2027; KoSIT sets the exact transition periods with the final version.
When will the final XRechnung 4.0 be released?
Spring 2027 is expected. The exact date depends on when CEN delivers the outstanding syntax bindings and validation artefacts.
What changes with XRechnung 4.0?
It is based on EN 16931-1:2026 with more than 50 new business terms and 7 new business groups: several orders and deliveries per invoice, structured early-payment discounts, late-payment interest and third-party claims, more detailed delivery information, XML attachments and a new approach to sector extensions. The mapping to CII and UBL is being revised.
Will my code with the Aloaha ZUGFeRD SDK still work?
Yes. The SDK creates the XML; we do not change existing functions, also not for COM clients. New information such as structured early-payment discounts or several orders comes as additional functions.
Does the XRechnung 4.0 update cost extra?
With a valid maintenance contract the upgrade to the new version is free. We add support as soon as the final version with the official validation artefacts is available.
How long may the old and new EN 16931 be used in parallel?
Expected until March 2029. Within this framework KoSIT sets the transition periods for XRechnung.