E-Invoice at Thünen Institute
E-invoices can only be submitted via the OZG-RE portal.
The Thünen Institute is able to receive and process electronic invoices (e-invoices). Everything you need to know about exchanging electronic invoices with us is described below.
Since November 27, 2020, electronic invoicing has been mandatory for invoice issuers. Exceptions to this requirement (for example, in the case of direct orders up to 1,000 euros excluding VAT) are regulated in Section 3(3) of the E-Invoicing Regulation (E-RechV).
We ask that you take advantage of the options for electronic invoicing. As an invoicer, you can already benefit from the advantages even before the upcoming requirement takes effect:
- More efficient workflows, shorter processing times, faster invoice payment
- Faster and easier access to invoice data
- Enabling digital, audit-proof archiving
- Cost savings on paper, printing, and postage
If you have any questions regarding the electronic billing of your existing contract with the Thünen Institute, please always contact the department specified in the contract document.
Submission of E-Invoices
The Thünen Institute receives electronic invoices via the OZG-RE portal. You can access the portal at https://xrechnung-bdr.de.
As of September 2025, e-invoices can no longer be submitted via the Federal Central Invoice Receipt Platform (ZRE).
Contents of an e-Invoice
In accordance with § 5 E-RechV, an electronic invoice must contain, in addition to the elements required under VAT law (see § 14 UStG), at least the following information:
- Route identification number
- Payment terms or, alternatively, the due date
- Bank details of the payee
- De-Mail or email address of the invoice issuer
Information on invoice content and requirements for the invoice format can be found here:
xrechnung-bdr.de/edi/auth/Help
The above provisions do not apply to invoices with attachments that, under other legal regulations, require paper-based delivery (export certificates, customs documents, etc.).
Legal Basis
The Federal E-Invoicing Regulation (E-RechV) requires public administrations to receive electronic invoices and federal suppliers and service providers to send electronic invoices in the context of public contracts. The E-RechV regulates the deadlines, transmission methods, data standards, and exceptions for electronic invoice exchange.
In principle, the obligation to issue electronic invoices to the federal government applies as of November 27, 2020. The exceptions are regulated in the ordinance and are described as follows:
- Invoices issued after the fulfillment of a direct order up to an amount of 1,000 euros
- Invoices that fall under the exceptions pursuant to Section 8 or Section 9 of the E-RechV (invoice data subject to confidentiality, as well as matters pertaining to the Foreign Service and other procurements abroad)
- Invoices that must be issued in procedures for the loan of organs pursuant to Section 159(1)(5) of the Act Against Restraints of Competition
Regardless of the legal obligation, a requirement to submit e-invoices may also arise from the underlying contractual relationship.
