Cryptographic Stamp (ZATCA)
ZATCA-issued digital stamp applied during clearance to authenticate B2B invoices
What is the ZATCA Cryptographic Stamp?
The ZATCA cryptographic stamp is a digital signature applied by ZATCA to cleared standard (B2B) invoices, providing non-repudiable proof that the invoice was validated and authorised by the tax authority at a specific timestamp.
Overview
During clearance, the supplier's signed invoice is transmitted to Fatoora; ZATCA validates schema and business rules, then applies its own XAdES-based cryptographic stamp to the invoice XML before returning it. Only stamped invoices are legally valid for B2B VAT deduction. The stamp's signature can be verified by any party using ZATCA's public certificate.
Key Points
- Digital signature applied by ZATCA during clearance
- XAdES format, verifiable with ZATCA public key
- Required for legal validity of B2B invoices
- Enables input VAT recovery for buyer
In Practice
A buyer's AP system verifies the ZATCA stamp on an incoming invoice against ZATCA's published certificate; if valid, the invoice is posted and input VAT recovered — if not, the invoice is returned to the supplier.
Related terms
Browse all →QR Code on KSA Invoice
Technical RequirementsTLV-encoded QR code mandatory on all KSA e-invoices containing key invoice data
ZATCA API Integration
Technical RequirementsTechnical connection between taxpayer ERP/system and ZATCA's Fatoora platform via REST APIs
ZATCA Digital Certificate (CSID)
Technical RequirementsCryptographic Stamp Identifier — certificate issued by ZATCA to authenticate the taxpayer's system
ZATCA Onboarding
Technical RequirementsProcess of registering a taxpayer's e-invoicing solution with ZATCA's platform
Need to comply with Cryptographic Stamp (ZATCA)?
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