E-invoicing is coming – and for many merchants sooner than they think. If you sell B2B, it affects you directly. Here's the overview: what an e-invoice really is, which deadlines apply, what Shopware can (and can't) do – and what to do now so you're not scrambling in 2027.
What an e-invoice really is (spoiler: not a PDF)
A PDF is not an e-invoice. A real e-invoice is a structured, machine-readable file (XML) following the European standard EN 16931 – data a system can process automatically, not just an image to print. That's what sets it apart from the classic PDF invoice most shops send today.
The deadlines at a glance (B2B in Germany)
- Since 01/01/2025: every company must be able to receive and process e-invoices. This already applies.
- From 01/01/2027: issuing duty for companies with more than €800,000 prior-year revenue.
- From 01/01/2028: issuing duty for all B2B.
Important: this concerns B2B (invoices to business customers). Classic B2C sales to end consumers are not affected.
XRechnung or ZUGFeRD?
Two formats meet the requirement (both per EN 16931):
- XRechnung: pure XML – lean, common in the public sector.
- ZUGFeRD (from version 2.0.1): a hybrid – a PDF/A-3 with embedded XML. Still human-readable, machine-processable. For many merchants the more practical choice.
What Shopware does natively – and where the gap is
Shopware 6 generates invoice documents as PDF by default – not in the required structured format. To meet the e-invoicing duty you need a way to output your Shopware invoices as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD (or embed the XML into the existing PDF). That's exactly where preparation starts.
What to do now (checklist)
- Clarify receiving: can you already process incoming e-invoices? (Mandatory since 2025.)
- Check revenue: over €800,000 prior-year revenue? Then the earlier deadline (2027) applies to you.
- Choose a format: XRechnung or ZUGFeRD – when in doubt, ZUGFeRD (hybrid, readable).
- Prepare the shop: switch Shopware invoice output to the structured format.
- Connect accounting: align with your tax advisor / DATEV so output and processing fit together.
- Test early: don't wait until the last minute – run real e-invoices through once.
How we get you e-invoicing-ready
As a Shopware-specialised agency, we implement e-invoicing cleanly in your shop: structured invoice output (XRechnung/ZUGFeRD), embedding into your existing invoice layout, and alignment with your accounting. So you're prepared in time – without last-minute stress.
Conclusion
E-invoicing isn't optional – it's mandatory, and the lead time is tighter than it looks. Prepare in 2026 and you'll have no construction site in 2027. Clarify early when it applies to you, and switch your Shopware invoices to the right format in good time.
Note: this article is general orientation, not legal or tax advice. For your specific case, talk to your tax advisor.
Allers Technology perspective
We see e-invoicing not as an isolated compliance topic but as part of clean Shopware operations. In our projects we align invoice output, layout, accounting interfaces and processes together – turning a duty into a stable, automated invoicing process. Our approach: start early, implement cleanly, test, and don't react only a few weeks before the deadline.