The French mandate for e-invoicing is set to take effect in 2024, and companies must prepare for the changes and new requirements that come with it. This mandate will require all businesses to switch to electronic invoicing, which will streamline the invoicing process and reduce the costs associated with paper-based invoicing. There are three main methods for processing electronic invoices in France: Partner Dematerialisation Platforms (PDP), Dematerialisation Operators (OD), and the Public Invoicing Portal (PPF).
Partner Dematerialisation Platforms (PDP) are certified service providers that can issue and receive e-invoices directly with the counter-party’s service provider. This method is ideal for businesses that have a large number of invoices to process, as it allows for a more efficient and streamlined process. Dematerialisation Operators (OD) are similar to PDPs but cannot issue or receive directly without using the PPF as an intermediary. This method is ideal for businesses that have a lower volume of invoices to process.
The Public Invoicing Portal (PPF) will be the new platform for B2B e-invoicing in France, connected to the government hub for B2G e-invoicing, Chorus Pro, and administering the central directory for e-invoicing. The PPF will be a central platform for all businesses to send and receive e-invoices, making it easier for businesses to comply with the new mandate. The PPF will also provide businesses with access to the central directory for e-invoicing, which will help them to identify their trading partners and ensure that they are compliant with the new regulations.
The French mandate for e-invoicing is part of a larger effort by the French government to digitize the economy and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. The government has set a target of making France a leader in digital innovation, and the move to electronic invoicing is just one part of this broader effort. The government has also launched a number of initiatives to support businesses in their transition to e-invoicing, including funding for training and support services.
The move to electronic invoicing will have a number of benefits for businesses in France. Firstly, it will reduce the administrative burden associated with paper-based invoicing, which can be time-consuming and costly. Electronic invoicing will also improve the accuracy and speed of the invoicing process, helping businesses to get paid faster and reducing the risk of errors. In addition, electronic invoicing will help businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, as it eliminates the need for paper-based invoicing.
However, the move to electronic invoicing will also require businesses to make significant changes to their invoicing processes and systems. Businesses will need to invest in new software and hardware to support electronic invoicing, and they will need to train their staff on the new systems and processes. This will require a significant investment of time and resources, and businesses will need to plan carefully to ensure that they are ready for the new mandate.
Overall, the move to electronic invoicing in France is a positive step towards digitizing the economy and reducing the administrative burden on businesses. However, it will require significant changes to the way that businesses operate, and they will need to plan carefully to ensure that they are ready for the new regulations. The French government has launched a number of initiatives to support businesses in their transition to e-invoicing, and businesses should take advantage of these resources to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
