What is UBL format?

Do you know what UBL is? The implementation of e-invoicing is a big step forward. Since 2015, e-invoicing is mandatory when exchanging documents with the administration in some regions, and it will be for all companies soon. Therefore, the European Union and Asia are working on the implementation of UBL format, which is becoming more important all over the world.

What is UBL?

UBL (Universal Business Language) format’s purpose is to simplify the automation of financial information exchange through the use of XML language. This language is widely used today, and its standardization simplifies data and information management. The UBL format enables companies around the world to exchange electronic documents. This exchange takes place in the same language, adapted to the fiscal needs of each receiving country.

This format is used to exchange e-invoices and other electronic documents through Peppol, an international network used in Europe. It has expanded to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.

UBL: XML Peppol format

XML format (Extensible Markup Language) is a text format where data or information is represented in a structured way.

As mentioned above, the UBL format is a specific type of XML. Although it is possible to generate different types of electronic documents in UBL format, the e-invoice is the most common document.

UBL language and other e-invoicing languages

Currently, there are many languages for creating and sending e-invoices. In the European Union and more and more countries around the world, there is a desire to promote a single e-invoice format, since this simplifies the current invoicing system among all countries.

In general, XML is becoming the structured e-invoice format used. The vast majority of European Union countries have implemented e-invoicing using this format. Other countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and it seems that the United States will also implement it. This list will surely grow.This greatly facilitates communication between countries regarding the exchange of e-invoices. However, it is not always that easy, as some countries have their own format different from UBL: Spain (Facturae), France (Factura-X), Italy (FatturaPA) among others. This means that to exchange invoices with these countries, communication is much more complicated.

What is expected from the UBL invoice?

In addition to facilitating and simplifying procedures and management, the standardized implementation of the UBL system reduces costs and avoids problems. All organizations, public or private, can communicate with each other using the same language and data structure. In other words, any invoice sent to public administrations throughout Europe has common data, which homogenizes its content and makes it easy to interpret, minimizing the risk of errors and time spent on its management.

Everything points to the fact that more and more countries around the world will make e-invoicing mandatory for all companies. B2G and B2B laws already exist in many European countries. This is the reason why they are choosing UBL as the standard format for their e-invoices. As a consequence, Europe is moving towards a common language and format in B2G and B2B communications for all EU countries and those who want to follow their steps.

Generate e-invoices using UBL standard with B2Brouter

B2Brouter is an online solution specialized in electronic document exchange. It allows you to create and send your e-invoices in UBL format easily and free of charge since it is a Peppol Certified Access Point. Do not worry about the technical aspects, B2Brouter will take care of that.

Convert PDF to UBL

Sign up and start managing all your e-invoices with all your customers and suppliers using all types of formats, such as UBL, XRechnung and PDF, etc. You can enter the invoice data in a simple form (B2Brouter converts it to UBL) or you can integrate your management system and import the invoice automatically.