Every invoice on the eConnect platform can be downloaded as an XML file. The XML file contains the complete structured e-invoice data that your accounting software can import, or that you can use for archiving or verification.

The XML file is saved to your computer and can be opened in an XML editor, text editor or imported into your accounting software.

The XML file contains all invoice data in structured form: supplier, recipient, invoice number, date, invoice lines, amounts, VAT and payment details. This is the file that machines can read and process automatically, as opposed to the PDF, which is primarily intended for visual display.

The format is UBL (Universal Business Language), conforming to the applicable standards (Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 or NLCIUS, depending on the invoice).

• Archiving: store the XML file as digital evidence alongside or instead of the PDF.
• Verification: open the file to check the exact e-invoice data, for example when there are discrepancies between the PDF view and the accounting software.
• Reuse as template: use a previously sent XML file as the basis for a new invoice. Adjust the invoice number, date and amounts and resubmit the file. Read more in Edit and resubmit an XML e-invoice.
• Manual import: import the file manually into software that does not have an automatic connection with eConnect.

The PDF you download is a visual representation of the invoice. For invoices that arrived as an e-invoice (XML), the platform automatically generates a PDF based on the XML data. For invoices that arrived as PDF and were converted by the IDR, the original PDF is available alongside the generated XML file.

The XML is always the source of truth for the e-invoice data. When in doubt about amounts or details, consult the XML file.

Want to learn more about the structure of e-invoice files? Read about the difference between XML, UBL and NLCIUS in the Peppol & E-invoicing section.

• View incoming invoices
• Edit and resubmit an XML e-invoice
• Reoffer documents to your software