Why ZATCA Mandated the PDF/A-3 Format for E-Invoicing

Learn why ZATCA adopted PDF/A-3 as the preferred format for streamlined E-invoicing processes, promoting enhanced data integrity and accessibility.

Ajith Kumar M
April 4, 2023
2 min

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Hey there! It's great to have you here. Today we're going to talk about a topic that's been on everyone's mind lately - the PDF/A-3 format for e-invoicing. If you're unfamiliar with the term, don't worry, we'll break it down for you.

What is the PDF/A-3 Format?

PDF/A-3 is a specific standard for archiving documents for the long term. Essentially, it's a way to ensure that your documents will be readable and accessible even decades after they were created. PDF/A-3 files have an attachment embedded within them, containing all the data required to load the PDF. This includes things like font data, colours, and any attached files, such as XML invoice data.

Why is the PDF/A-3 Format Important for ZATCA?

ZATCA (the Zakat Tax & Customs Authority) has mandated the use of the PDF/A-3 format for e-invoicing. This is because it ensures that all invoices and related notes can be uniquely identified at any given time in the future. The file name for the PDF/A-3 format contains : the seller ID, the date and time the document was generated, and the invoice reference number. This makes it easy to find and reference specific documents, even years down the line.

How Can Compllyance.io Help with PDF/A-3 Compliance?

At Complyance.io, we specialize in helping businesses comply with the latest e-invoicing regulations. Our products are fully compliant with the PDF/A-3 format, and we follow the ZATCA file name specification for storing invoices. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly e-invoicing solution, we're here to help.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, adopting the PDF/A-3 format for e-invoicing compliance is crucial in ensuring that your documents can be accessed and identified for the long term. ZATCA's mandate for the use of this format, along with their specific file name specification, makes it easy to store and retrieve invoices and related notes. At Complyance.io, we understand the importance of compliance and have developed e-invoicing products that are fully compliant with the PDF/A-3 format and ZATCA regulations. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly e-invoicing solution, consider reaching out to us. Thank you for reading, and we hope to help you achieve compliance soon.