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🇨🇭 Switzerland - Invoicing Specifications (QR-Bill / eBill)

Status: 🔴 Mandatory Format (QR-Bill) | 🟡 Voluntary e-Invoicing (eBill) Authority: SIX Interbank Clearing / FTA (Federal Tax Administration) Standard: Swiss QR Code (ISO 20022 compliant)

1. Context & Roadmap

Switzerland operates outside the EU VAT regime but is highly integrated. Crucial Distinction:

  • Paper/PDF: Still legal, but MUST contain the Swiss QR Code section. Old payment slips (ESR/BVR) are dead.
  • eBill: The network for digital invoicing (B2C/B2B).
  • B2G: Federal Gov requires e-invoicing for amounts > CHF 5,000.
DateScopeObligation
ActiveAll InvoicesQR-Bill is the only accepted payment slip standard.
ActiveB2GFederal Administration requires e-invoices (e-rechnung).
ActiveB2CeBill is the dominant standard for recurring billing (Telco, Utility).

2. Technical Workflow (The QR-Bill)

Invoicerr must generate a specific footer on the PDF invoice.

classDiagram
    class Invoice_PDF {
        +Header (Logo/Address)
        +Line Items
        +Total
        +**QR-Bill Section (A6)**
    }
    class Swiss_QR_Code {
        +Creditor Data
        +Debtor Data
        +Amount / Currency
        +Reference (QRR/SCOR)
        +Unstructured Msg (Swico)
    }
    Invoice_PDF *-- Swiss_QR_Code : Contains at bottom

🧱 Key Components

  1. QR-IBAN: A special IBAN variant (IID 30000-31999) used only with the QRR reference.
  2. QR Reference (QRR): 27-digit numeric reference (legacy style). Requires QR-IBAN.
  3. SCOR (Creditor Reference): ISO 11649 alphanumeric reference. Works with standard IBAN. Recommended for Invoicerr.
  4. Swico Codes: Syntax to embed line-item data into the QR code for B2B automation (e.g., /10/InvoiceNo /31/VATDate).

3. The eBill Network (B2C / B2B)

For fully digital invoicing, Invoicerr can connect to the eBill network (run by SIX).

  • Workflow: Invoicerr -> Network Partner (e.g., PostFinance/SIX) -> Client's Online Banking.
  • Identifier: Using email or UID (B2B).

4. Implementation Checklist

  • QR-Bill Engine:

  • Layout: Must render an exact A6 section at the bottom of the PDF.

  • Swiss QR Code: Generate the cross-shaped QR code with specific data structure.

  • Scissors Icon: If printable, print the scissors line.

  • Reference Logic:

  • Implement SCOR (ISO 11649) generation. It's easier than QRR as it works with standard IBANs.

  • Data Validation:

  • Addresses: Street and Number must be separated or carefully parsed. "P.O. Box" handling is strict.

  • Swico Syntax: Inject VAT details into the "Additional Information" field of the QR code using Swico tags (/30/, /31/) to help B2B clients automate booking.

5. Resources