Machine-readable fields follow a defined syntax and business rules.
Electronic invoicing, explained and checked
What is an e-invoice — and how do you check one?
An e-invoice is structured invoice data designed to be exchanged and processed electronically. A PDF sent by email is digital, but it is not necessarily a structured e-invoice.
Fictitious example — no customer data
PDFINV-2026-184
- Total
- $1,200.00
Structured invoiceINV-2026-184
- Total
- $1,224.00
Review · Difference $24.00Compare the visible total with the structured value.
Direct answer
What is an e-invoice?
An e-invoice carries invoice information in a structured form that software can process. It can be pure XML or a hybrid document that combines a readable representation with embedded structured data.
Definitions
E-invoice, PDF and digital invoice are not synonyms.
A readable digital document; it may or may not contain structured data.
Any invoice delivered digitally, including PDFs, portal records and structured files.
Structured invoice formats
Syntax and business profile both matter.
PDF/A-3 with embedded CII data for supported profiles.
A standardized XML syntax used by multiple invoice profiles and networks.
UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice structured data.
Invoice content
What structured invoice data can contain
Seller and buyer identities and addresses
Identity
Identify the seller, buyer and legal entity attached to the invoice.
Invoice number, issue date, due date and references
References
Connect the invoice to orders, contracts, deliveries or other business evidence.
Lines, quantities, prices, allowances and charges
Commercial lines
Compare quantities, prices, allowances and charges with the available source data.
Tax categories, taxable amounts, totals and payment data
Tax & totals
Check whether tax bases, tax amounts and invoice totals agree with the evidence being reviewed.
Exchange
How e-invoices travel between systems
- CreateAn ERP or billing system produces structured invoice data.
- ValidateSyntax and applicable business rules are checked.
- ExchangeA portal, network or direct integration delivers the invoice.
- ProcessThe recipient imports, verifies and reconciles the data.
Boundaries
Validation, transmission and compliance are different functions.
Checks can cover syntax, fields, totals and contradictions.
Networks, portals and direct integrations provide delivery.
Legal scope depends on jurisdiction, transaction and effective date.
Country requirements explorer
Start with markets backed by a current source set.
Einvoi checker
Compare the invoice evidence before acting on it.
Fictitious example — no customer data
PDFINV-2026-184
- Total
- $1,200.00
Structured invoiceINV-2026-184
- Total
- $1,224.00
Review · Difference $24.00Compare the visible total with the structured value.
FAQ
Direct answers
Scope and product boundaries for this first English release.
Is a PDF an e-invoice?
A PDF is a digital document, but it is not necessarily a structured e-invoice. Hybrid formats can combine a readable PDF with embedded structured invoice data.
What can Einvoi check?
Einvoi can identify duplicates and copies, compare supported amounts and tax data, detect contradictions between visible and structured invoice data, and explain version or correction relationships where the evidence supports them.
Does Einvoi transmit e-invoices?
No. Einvoi is an independent verification layer. It does not operate a government transmission service, a Peppol Access Point or a DBNAlliance Access Point.