E-Invoicing at Kolibri 360 GmbH
Information for Our Customers and Business Partners
Kolibri360 will switch to electronic invoicing effective January 1, 2027. In doing so, we are complying with the legal requirements for e-invoicing while also laying the groundwork for more efficient and largely automated invoice processing.
For our invoicing in the publishing distribution and book wholesaling sectors, we primarily rely on ZUGFeRD. In doing so, we are also following the recommendation ofthe German Publishers and Booksellers Association, which was published in April 2026 in a white paper on e-invoicing.
What do you need to do?
In many cases, you don't need to do anything right away.
If we already have an email address on file for you, we will let you know before the changeover which address we have on file that we will use to send your e-invoices in the future.
If you would like to use a different email address to receive your e-invoices, you can let us know afterward.
We will contact customers for whom we do not yet have an email address separately.
The Most Important Information for You at a Glance
ZUGFeRD is our preferred e-invoice format. This format combines structured, machine-readable invoice data with a human-readable PDF representation. This allows invoices to be processed automatically while still being displayed and reviewed just like a standard PDF.
In order to send our ZUGFeRD invoices via email, we need a valid email address from you where you can receive invoices.
Legal Basis for E-Invoicing
The Growth Opportunities Act introduced electronic invoicing for business-to-business (B2B) transactions. As of January 1, 2025, companies in Germany must, in principle, be able to receive e-invoices. The requirement to issue e-invoices will be phased in gradually.
Transitional periods apply to the implementation: As of January 1, 2025,companies must be able to receive e-invoices.
- Effective January 1, 2027:Companies with prior-year revenue exceeding 800,000 euros must issue e-invoices for domestic B2B transactions.
- Effective January 1, 2028:E-invoicing will become the mandatory standard for all domestic B2B transactions.
This is based on Section 14 of the German Value-Added Tax Act (UStG) and the European standard EN 16931. E-invoicing enables greater automation, reduces manual work, and simplifies the processing of invoice data.
Why we rely on ZUGFeRD.
ZUGFeRD combines the benefits of structured invoice data with a familiar PDF format. This simplifies both automated processing and verification by the invoice recipient.
The main advantages:
- E-invoices that comply with the law in accordance with current regulations
- Automated processing in ERP and accounting systems
- Standard PDF format for review and archiving
- less manual effort and greater process reliability
We also support XRechnung for publisher deliveries.If you are required to use this format due to organizational or legal requirements, we will be happy to provide your invoices in XRechnung format.
Existing EDI/EANCOM interfaces will remain in place
For business partners with whom electronic invoicing processes viaEDI/EANCOMhave already been set up, nothing will change in principle. Existing interfaces designed accordingly can continue to be used and will still meet the legal requirements for e-invoicing.
Especially when dealing with large volumes of invoices, EDI/EANCOM remains a particularly efficient and preferred method of data transmission, as invoice data can be processed automatically and in large quantities.
Questions about the transition?
If you have any questions about switching to e-invoices for the book wholesaler, please contactyour usual contact person at our company.
If you have any questions about e-invoicing in publishing distribution, please contact us at:
e-rechnung.va@kolibri360.de
We're happy to help you.