Guide
Markdown exportUBL Universal Business Language
The OASIS standard for structured business documents. International XML-based solution for e-commerce and electronic business processes.
What is UBL?
UBL (Universal Business Language) is an OASIS standard for XML-based business documents. UBL provides a standardized library of XML schemas for common business documents such as invoices, orders, and shipping notifications, enabling unified electronic communication between companies worldwide.
PEPPOL Standard
UBL is the preferred standard for PEPPOL BIS (Business Interoperability Specifications) and thus essential for European e-invoicing.
Key Features
Use these points as the practical checks for this section.
- OASIS-standardized XML schemas
- Modular document structure
- International standardization
- Complete business process coverage
- Code lists for standardization
- Multi-language implementation
Advantages of UBL
OASIS Standard
International recognition and governance by OASIS
Modularity
Reusable components and flexible structure
PEPPOL Compatibility
Direct usage in PEPPOL network
Complete coverage
Complete business process coverage
UBL Document Types
Invoice (UBL 2.1/2.3)
Standard invoice for goods delivery and services Application: Main document for e-invoicing
Credit Note (UBL 2.1/2.3)
Credit notes and invoice corrections Application: Cancellations and refunds
Order (UBL 2.1/2.3)
Electronic orders Application: Procurement and e-commerce
Despatch Advice (UBL 2.1/2.3)
Shipping notifications Application: Logistics and supply chains
Receipt Advice (UBL 2.1/2.3)
Receipt confirmations Application: Goods receipt processes
UBL Versions
UBL 2.4 (2024-07-08)
CurrentImprovements: Expanded document set, additional code lists, refined PEPPOL alignment
UBL 2.3 (2020)
PreviousImprovements: Enhanced PEPPOL compatibility
UBL 2.2 (2018)
LegacyImprovements: Improved validation
UBL 2.1 (2013)
DeprecatedImprovements: First EN 16931 foundation
UBL 2.0 (2006)
DeprecatedImprovements: Basic standardization
UBL Implementation
Follow this sequence as the practical checklist for this section.
- Download and integrate UBL 2.x schemas
- Perform business process mapping
- Implement code lists
- Set up validation engine
- Ensure PEPPOL BIS compliance
- Execute test scenarios
Technical Specifications
Schema Language (XML Schema Definition (XSD))
W3C-compliant schema definition
Namespace (urn:oasis:names:specification:ubl:schema:xsd)
Unique OASIS namespace identification
Code Lists (ISO, UN/ECE, OASIS)
Standardized value lists for consistency
Data Types (ISO 15000-5 (ebXML CCTS))
Core Component Technical Specification
UBL Schema Info
| Current Version | Documents | OASIS Status |
|---|---|---|
| UBL 2.4 | 70+ | Approved |