Edit and resubmit an XML invoice

Have you received or sent an e-invoice as an XML file and need to make a change? Via the eConnect platform you can download the XML file, edit it and resubmit it. This is useful when you want to use an existing XML file as the basis for a new invoice, or when you need to make a technical correction.

Step 1: Download the XML

Open the invoice in the Inbox or Sent folder and click Download. You can choose the XML file (the structured e-invoice data) or the PDF view. Open the XML file in a text editor or XML editor.

Step 2: Edit the XML

Open the XML file in a suitable editor. When making changes, pay attention to the following points:

Invoice number: change the invoice number to a new, unique number. Never submit an invoice with the same invoice number as a previously submitted invoice — the platform detects this as a duplicate.
Invoice date: update the date to the current invoice date.
Amounts: make sure all amounts and calculations are correct. The total amount must equal the sum of the invoice lines plus VAT.
CustomizationID: do not remove or change this field. It tells receiving systems which standard the invoice follows (NLCIUS, Peppol BIS Billing 3.0).

Step 3: Resubmit

Submit the edited XML file to the platform via one of these methods:

Email Receiver: send the file as an attachment to your trusted email sender address (your @trust.econnect.eu or @verkoopfacturen.econnect.eu address). The platform processes the file automatically.
Manual upload: if you have a software integration or API access, you can also submit the file via that channel.

After submission, the invoice appears in your Sent folder (sales invoices) or Inbox (purchase invoices). Check the invoice details before sending the invoice.

Validation in advance

Want to check whether your edited XML is valid before submitting? Use the free eConnect validator at econnect.eu/en/validator. The validator checks your file against the applicable UBL, Peppol BIS Billing and NLCIUS standards and gives clear error messages if anything is wrong.

Outdated XML formats

XML files in the old SI1.1 or SI1.2 format (SimplerInvoicing) may no longer be sent directly via the Peppol network. The current standards are SI2.0 (NLCIUS) and Peppol BIS Billing 3.0. eConnect can receive files in older formats and transform them to the applicable standard, provided the content meets the current rules. The long-term solution is to update your software package to the current standard.

Frequently asked questions

Which XML format should I use?

The platform accepts UBL files conforming to Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 or NLCIUS. Older formats such as SI1.1 or SI1.2 are no longer directly supported via Peppol, but eConnect can transform them to the applicable standard provided the data is compliant.

Is my XML file validated before sending?

Yes, the platform automatically validates your file against the applicable standards. If there are validation errors, you receive a clear error message with the cause. You can also validate in advance via the eConnect Document Validator.

Can I use a previously sent XML file as a basis?

Yes, download a previously sent invoice as XML from the Sent folder. Edit the invoice number, date and amounts, and upload the edited file via the platform. This is useful if you regularly send similar invoices.

Need help editing an XML file? Contact support.

Contact support