The General Meeting of the Forum National de la invoice Electronique (FNFE) on May 31, 2024 was an opportunity to review progress on the French e-invoicing reform project, which aims to make electronic invoice electronic invoicing mandatory by 2026.

She definitively laid to rest the various rumors surrounding this reform, pointing out in particular that the dates for rolling out the reform are written into the law, and that the law has not been amended.

Points to remember

1. Stabilizing the legal framework :
   • The legal framework for the reform was stabilized with the decree of March 25, 2024. A supplementary decree is expected after validation of the ViDA Directive by ECOFIN, scheduled for June 21, 2024.
2. Publication of technical specifications :
   • External specifications version 2.4 will be published on June 19, 2024. This version will include the XSD, Schematron, swagger schemas and datasets needed to perfect the standard.
3. Features and technical improvements :
   • The new specifications will include improvements such as simplified directory flows, enriched directory historization, a unique identifier per invoicerounding tolerance, enhanced status for optimal tracking, and an overhaul of the invoice.
4. National directory delivery:
   • Delivery of the national directory is confirmed for the end of 2024 for a "small pilot", mainly reserved for PDPs, to evaluate the directory technically and functionally. Wider deployment is planned for 2025. This directory will contain data from companies and public entities, and will be used to test technical and functional features.
5. Interoperability and creation of a PEPPOL France authority :
   • A Proof of Concept (POC) piloted by FNFE on theinteroperability of PDPs (Partner Platforms Digitalization ), based on PEPPOL standards, is making good progress. It brings together 60 participants
   • The creation of a PEPPOL France authority is also planned.
6. Commitment of market players :
   • The project is being built in collaboration with market players through co-construction workshops. Since February 2024, 11 meetings have been held and will continue to be held regularly.
7. Reassurance and ongoing commitment:
   • Stéphane Eustache, Director of the e-invoicing program atAIFE, reassured participants by confirming that the project is on track without any delays or legislative changes. The commitments made at the last relay community meeting in February 2024 are being met.

Dates to remember

• June 19, 2024: Publication of external specifications version 2.4.
• End 2024: Delivery of batch 1 "directory" for a small pilot.

Conclusion

The e-invoicing reform project is making steady, collaborative progress, with legal stabilization and clear technical specifications. The next steps will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to the widespread use of invoice electronic invoicing in 2026.