Introduction

Productive supports two complementary ways to issue compliant electronic invoices:

XRechnung
An invoice format (XML/UBL/EN 16931) that is mandatory for B2B invoicing in Germany.
PEPPOL
A delivery network that transports e-invoices (in the PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0 format) across borders.

You can enable either option individually or both at the same time. This article explains when to use each option and shows where to turn e-invoicing on for your account. Detailed setup steps live in the two companion articles:

👉 Set Up for Sending XRechnung Invoices: configure Productive to generate XML invoices.

👉 Set Up for Sending Invoices via PEPPOL: configure Productive so you can send invoices via PEPPOL.

What is XRechnung?

XRechnung is Germany’s official implementation of the EN 16931 e-invoicing standard. From 1 January 2025, most German businesses must issue invoices in XRechnung format instead of PDF or paper (with transitional rules until 2028).

For more information on B2B e-invoicing in Germany and regional implementations, refer to the following links:

Why Productive Supports XRechnung

You can generate a ready-to-submit XML that you can download or email
Stay compliant with German B2B rules without extra software

These XML files can also:

Be uploaded to invoicing tools that support XRechnung
Be submitted to e-invoicing portals set up by German federal states

What is PEPPOL?

PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is a secure network that lets senders and receivers exchange electronic business documents. It is not a file format; instead, it routes standard formats—most often PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0—through certified Access Points.

Why Organizations Use PEPPOL

Widely required by European public bodies and large enterprises
Removes manual email uploads; invoices flow automatically from sender to recipient

Why Productive Supports PEPPOL

You can send invoices directly from Productive (via an integrated Access Point)
Track delivery status in the invoice feed

Good to Know: Limitations by Plan

There is a monthly limit on the number of invoices you can send via the PEPPOL network, based on your plan:

Essential Plan: 10 invoices
Professional Plan: 50 invoices
Ultimate Plan: 100 invoices

Can I use both XRechnung and PEPPOL?

Yes. You can enable both options in your account settings. When finalizing an invoice, you’ll be able to:

Download an XML file in XRechnung format for record-keeping or manual upload.
Send the invoice via PEPPOL to clients who accept delivery through the network.

The XRechnung option allows you to generate, download, and share a compliant e-invoice in XML format. The PEPPOL option uses the PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0 format and sends the invoice automatically via the PEPPOL network.

XRechnung Setup

👉 If your goal is to download a compliant XML invoice, follow the dedicated guide: Set Up for Sending XRechnung Invoices.

At a glance, XRechnung setup requires:

Enable e-invoicing at Settings › Invoicing › E-Invoicing and choose XRechnung.
Fill mandatory sender fields – company name, VAT ID (DE123456789), address, phone, bank BIC/SWIFT.
Complete mandatory client fields – company name, address, email, and Buyer Reference (e.g. Leitweg-ID).

Once saved, you can create an invoice and download the XML.

👉 See How to Download an E-invoice (XML) for the step-by-step flow.

PEPPOL Setup

👉 If you plan to send invoices through the PEPPOL network, follow the dedicated guide: Set Up for Sending Invoices via PEPPOL.

PEPPOL setup in brief:

Enable e-invoicing at Settings › Invoicing › E-Invoicing and toggle on PEPPOL.
Enter your sender data – company details plus PEPPOL ID (e.g. 9930:DE123456789).
Store each client’s PEPPOL ID under CRM › Companies › Edit Company.

After setup, you can choose Send via PEPPOL on any finalized invoice. A validation check will run before dispatch.

Once saved, you can send an invoice via PEPPOL.

👉 See Send Invoices via the Peppol Network for the step-by-step flow.