Invoicing Siemens: the essentials
Siemens checks incoming files automatically and reports problems back through numbered rejection codes.
Which invoice formats does Siemens accept?
Siemens accepts two structured formats and rules out several variants explicitly.
Accepted
- ZUGFeRD from version 2.0.1, CII syntax, as PDF/A-3 with embedded XML. The PDF view has to match the XML data
- XRechnung as plain XML in UBL or CII syntax
Not accepted
- Plain PDF invoices without embedded XML
- The ZUGFeRD profiles MINIMUM and BASIC WL
- ZUGFeRD versions below 2.0.1
- Encrypted or password-protected files
What has to be on the invoice?
Beyond the general details, Siemens asks for several references in precisely defined fields. The order number has to stand on its own in the header field, with no extra text such as ARE information or the order date.
General invoice details
- Invoice number, invoice date and document type
- Seller and buyer with the full address, the buyer address with a street or a PO box
- Invoice lines with a quantity greater than zero, unit price and line total
- Header totals that match the sum of the lines
Additional requirements from Siemens
- Org ID (BT-46), the Siemens customer number
- Order number (BT-13) in the header field provided for it
- Order line number (BT-132) and invoice line number (BT-126)
- Seller item number (BT-156)
- Seller PO box (BT-51) where the address carries no street field
- Supplier number in addition to the Org ID
Simplified sample view. The colouring shows typical categories of data, not the legal status of each individual field.
How can e-invoices reach Siemens?
Both routes run through SupplyOn. Which one applies depends on whether you are integrated as a supplier.
To the invoicing address stated on the order. One invoice per e-mail, 15 MB at most. Text in the e-mail body is ignored.
SupplyOn platform
Direct delivery for integrated suppliers. In both cases SupplyOn receives and validates the document.
One channel per invoice
Sending the same invoice over more than one route is allowed in exceptional cases only.
Invoicing rules and rejection codes
Siemens rejects invoices with numbered codes. The usual causes can be ruled out before you send.
E0051
The PDF is not a PDF/A-3 or carries no embedded XML invoice.
E0052
Invalid ZUGFeRD version, 2.0.1 or higher is required.
E0053
Invalid XRechnung or Peppol format, or an XML syntax error.
E0060 and E0070
XML validation error or a failed conformance check against EN 16931.
Attachments
Have to be embedded in the e-invoice. Separate e-mail attachments are not processed. Allowed types include PDF, JPEG, TIFF, TXT, CSV, XLSX, DOCX and XML.
Allowances instead of negative lines
Negative lines are not allowed. Reductions belong in the allowance fields at header or line level, not in free text.
Creating an invoice for Siemens with Invoice Portal
Siemens is one of the recipients whose route Invoice Portal can cover end to end: ZUGFeRD and XRechnung are among the supported formats and delivery goes by e-mail.
Capture the invoice data
Create the invoice or import the export from your ERP, with Org ID, order number and order line.
Produce ZUGFeRD or XRechnung
Create the file in the required profile and validate it against EN 16931.
Send it by e-mail
To the invoicing address named on the order, one invoice per e-mail.
Validation checks the structure against EN 16931. Whether Org ID, order number and order line actually match your Siemens order is not something it can check. Those values belong in the customer master record.
Frequent questions about invoicing Siemens
Does Siemens accept plain PDF invoices?
Which ZUGFeRD profiles are ruled out?
Can I bill several orders on one invoice?
Where do I send the invoice?
How do I enter the order number?
Create e-invoices and send them with confidence
With Invoice Portal you create, validate and send structured e-invoices over the delivery channels we support.
- Certified Peppol access point
- Creation, conversion and validation of structured e-invoices
- Integration over the API and the other interfaces we support
Prefer to write? info@invoice-portal.de · +49 561 56014568
Siemens e-invoicing: get the full guide
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