CIUS-PT File Download (EDI)

What is CIUS-PT?

CIUS-PT is the standard XML invoice format used to communicate structured data.

With electronic invoicing, suppliers of Public Administration entities, acting as co-contractors under the Portuguese Public Procurement Code (Código de Contratação Pública – CCP), are required to issue electronic invoices via EDI (instead of the usual PDF invoices).

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the process of converting any type of electronic document (such as invoices, delivery notes, debit notes, etc.) into a standard format. There is no universal EDI system, only different technical standards.

In Portugal, the standard for communicating documents in public contracts is the XML format called CIUS-PT.

According to eSPap (Shared Services Entity of Public Administration), the coordinating entity for implementing electronic invoicing in public administration, the CIUS-PT format establishes the semantic data model proposed for the Portuguese standard and defines the syntax rules that electronic invoices must comply with, in accordance with the European Standard EN 16931-2017, dated 28 June 2017 (Portaria n.º 289/2019, of 5 September).

How to issue a document in the standard XML format (CIUS-PT)?

Suppliers of Public Administration entities, acting as co-contractors under the CCP, must issue electronic invoices via EDI instead of PDF invoices.

CIUS-PT is the standard XML format in Portugal used to communicate structured invoice data.

To issue a document in this format using the certified InvoiceXpress invoicing software, follow these steps:

1. Open the page of the document you wish to export.
2. On the right-hand side of the page, click “Download XML (CIUS-PT)”.
3. The CIUS-PT file will be automatically downloaded to your device.
4. The downloaded CIUS-PT file must then be sent by you to an Intermediary (Broker), such as eSPap or Saphety, which will carry out the electronic communication (EDI) of your document with the State.

Who can access the CIUS-PT file?

Any user with an active subscription on a current plan can download the CIUS-PT file.

CIUS-PT Format Validation

Since this is a new structured data format, and to help companies and entrepreneurs confirm their CIUS-PT files, the Electronic Invoice Portal for Public Administration (managed by eSPap) provides a convenient CIUS-PT validator: CIUS-PT Format Validator

To use it:

1. Download your document from InvoiceXpress in the CIUS-PT format.
2. Access the validator.
3. Upload the respective file and click “Validate” to ensure compliance of your invoice, credit note, or debit note (for validation purposes, upload it as an “invoice”).