The routing ID is a unique identifier for electronic invoices to public clients in Germany. It ensures that E-invoices correctly and securely to the relevant authorities, municipalities or ministries.
Organisation and structure
The routing ID is divided into three parts:
- Rough bonding (mandatory)A numerical section containing information on the federal state, administrative district, county and municipality.
- Fine addressing (optional)An alphanumeric section with up to 30 characters that can be used for a more precise assignment.
- Check digits (mandatory)Two digits to validate the ID.
The total length of the routing ID can vary, whereby the coarse addressing comprises a maximum of 12 digits.
Meaning and application
The routing ID is a central component of XRechnung, the standard for Electronic invoices to the public administration in Germany. In the e-bill, it is specified in the "Buyer Reference" field (BT-10).
Important notes:
- Companies that issue invoices to public clients of the federal government must use a routing ID.
- It enables the automatic allocation and processing of the invoice by the recipient authority.
- The routing ID is transmitted by the client to the invoicing party.
Special features
- When using the PEPPOL network, the routing ID can also be used as part of the Peppol Participant ID.
- A publicly accessible, complete directory of all routing IDs does not currently exist.
- The introduction of the routing ID supports the digitalisation and optimisation of invoice transactions with public authorities and thus leads to faster processing and cost savings.
Use in SAP Business One
The routing ID is integrated into SAP Business One as follows:
- Enter the routing IDThe routing ID must be entered in the "Customer reference number" field to ensure that receipts can be correctly and completely assigned to the recipient.
- Business partner master dataFrom version 10.0 FP2011 of SAP Business One is in the Business partner master data The new "Electronic receipts" tab is available in the "Electronic invoices" area. All relevant settings for electronic invoice exchange, including XRechnung, can be made here. These customisations enable companies to store the routing ID and other data required for e-invoicing directly in the system, thereby automating the process.
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