No need to panic. We'll explain everything clearly, without technical jargon.
Today, when you send an invoice, you probably create a PDF with Word or Excel and email it. It's simple and it works.
But that won't be enough anymore.
French law now requires a new system: your invoices must go through a certified platform that automatically forwards them to your customer AND to the tax authorities. The goal? To fight VAT fraud and simplify tax audits.
In practice, your invoice must be in a machine-readable format (not just a standard PDF), and it will travel through a secure system instead of a simple email.
Two key dates to remember.
All businesses (including micro-enterprises and sole traders) must be able to receive invoices in electronic format.
In short: your suppliers will start sending you e-invoices. You need to be ready to receive them.
All businesses must also issue their invoices in electronic format.
In short: you will no longer be able to send PDF invoices by email to your business clients. Everything will go through the platform.
The system relies on three key players.
This is what creates your invoices in the correct format. It must be compatible with the reform. Dolibarr, for example, is fully compliant.
Think of it as the official "postman". It delivers your invoices to your clients and sends the data to the tax authorities. You need to choose one.
This is the official register managed by the French government. It knows which business uses which platform, so invoices reach the right destination.
A simple PDF is no longer enough. Here's what's allowed.
The simplest format. It's a standard PDF (that you can read normally) with an embedded data file readable by computers. The best choice for small and medium businesses.
A 100% digital format, only readable by software. A European standard, mainly used for automated exchanges between large companies.
Another 100% digital format, an international standard. Primarily used by large industrial groups for high-volume transactions.
Mandatory e-invoicing only applies to transactions between French businesses (B2B).
However, there is an additional requirement called e-reporting:
The timeline is the same: September 2027 for small and medium businesses.
The tax authorities have set fines, but also a leniency clause.
€15 per invoice not issued in electronic format, capped at €15,000 per year.
€500 fine if you haven't chosen a certified platform (after a 3-month formal notice).
€500 per missing declaration, capped at €15,000 per year.
No penalty for a first offence if you become compliant within 30 days.
4 simple steps to get ready.
Your invoicing tool must be able to produce invoices in Factur-X, UBL or CII format. If you're still using Excel or Word, it's time to switch.
You need to register with a platform officially certified by the French government. It will handle the transmission of your invoices and data.
Your platform will automatically register you in the national directory (PPF). Your clients and suppliers will then be able to find you.
Don't wait until the last minute. Test sending and receiving invoices with your platform so you're confident when the time comes.
We help you understand what's changing and choose the right solution. First consultation free, no commitment.