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Glossary of Terms

Below you'll find key definitions and concepts used across faktoora's e-invoicing API.

API Key​

A unique token provided by Faktoora to authenticate API requests. Generated from within the Faktoora account settings.

approval workflow​

Multi-step manual invoice confirmation flow for received documents. Supports 4-eyes principle with optional payment release after full approval.

archived​

Final state after invoice was paid and optionally stored in long-term audit-proof storage.

BT (Business Term)​

Defined in EN16931, these are specific invoice data elements with clear semantic meanings, such as "Invoice Issue Date" (BT-2) or "Invoice Number" (BT-1). Business Terms ensure consistency and interoperability.

channels​

Ways faktoora receives external invoices:

  • Email: via IMAP or faktoora mailbox
  • PEPPOL: direct B2B network
  • API Upload: POST /import endpoint

CII (Cross Industry Invoice)​

A global invoice standard defined by UN/CEFACT, compatible with EN16931. CII focuses on flexibility and detailed data modeling, making it well-suited for industries requiring high customization. Often referenced in the context of XRechnung and ZUGFeRD.

CIUS (Core Invoice Usage Specification)​

A subset of EN16931 rules tailored for specific regions or industries, providing stricter guidance for implementing e-invoices.

delivery​

Invoice transmission method.

  • email: Sent via faktoora SMTP or custom server
  • peppol: Delivered to recipient via PEPPOL
  • Manual trigger is required for draft/review modes.

EN16931​

The European Norm (EN) 16931 defines a standard for electronic invoices to ensure interoperability across EU member states. It mandates specific data structures (Business Terms) that invoices must comply with.

faktooraId​

A unique identifier for each invoice created or imported via faktoora. Used for retrieval, tracking and delivery operations.

format​

Specifies the invoice format and layout. Accepted values:

  • zf:1 → ZUGFeRD version 1 (limited EN16931 compliance)
  • zf:2 → ZUGFeRD version 2 (PDF/A-3 + embedded XML, full EN16931 compliance)
  • xrechnung → pure XML according to EN16931; required for B2G

invoiceTypeCode​

Type of transaction as defined in EN 16931 (field BT-3):

  • 380: Commercial invoice
  • 381: Credit note
  • 384: Corrective invoice
  • 386: Factoring invoice

draftOnly​

Boolean flag in POST /invoices to create a draft invoice. Requires manual confirmation in the UI before sending.

ISO 4217​

The international standard for currency codes, such as EUR for Euro or USD for US Dollar. Used in e-invoice currency fields.

PDF/A3​

An ISO standard for archivable PDF documents that allows embedding of XML files. Used in ZUGFeRD formats to combine visual representation with machine-readable data.

reviewMode​

Boolean flag in POST /invoices to create an invoice that must be reviewed and approved by a user with permissions.

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)​

A payment initiative by the European Union to standardize euro payments across participating countries. SEPA methods are often referenced in e-invoice payment instructions.

status​

The current state of the invoice. Triggers webhooks on change. Possible values:

  • draft: Invoice saved as draft (not sent)
  • review: Invoice pending manual approval
  • created: Finalized invoice (ready or already sent)
  • imported: Invoice received and valid
  • rejected: Invoice was rejected (automatically or manually)
  • archived: Invoice was paid and filed

UBL (Universal Business Language)​

A globally adopted XML-based standard for electronic business documents, including invoices. Developed by OASIS, UBL is widely used in international trade and supported by various governments for e-invoicing. Its ease of use and broad compatibility make it ideal for organizations seeking quick adoption across multiple regions.

UN/CEFACT​

United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, which provides globally standardized codes and guidelines for electronic data exchange, such as tax categories.

VAT (Value Added Tax)​

A consumption tax added to goods and services in many countries, represented in EN16931 as specific Business Terms.

Webhook​

A mechanism for receiving real-time notifications from the Faktoora system. When an event like invoice creation occurs, a POST request is sent to the specified webhook URL.

XRechnung​

A fully EN16931-compliant XML-based e-invoice format primarily used in Germany for public procurement. It does not include a PDF component, unlike ZUGFeRD.

ZUGFeRD 1​

A German e-invoicing format that combines a PDF/A3 document with an embedded XML file. ZUGFeRD 1 supports EN16931 to a limited extent, with some fields not fully compliant.

ZUGFeRD 2​

An updated version of ZUGFeRD that ensures full compliance with EN16931 and aligns more closely with European e-invoicing requirements. - ZUGFeRD is a French-German standard and not globally accepted. In Germany, ZUGFeRD can be used as long as it is accepted for processing by the recipient. - For international invoices (cross-border), the EN16931-compliant invoice is preferred to ensure broader compatibility and acceptance.