France is making another important move in its journey toward mandatory e-invoicing: it has officially renamed the term PDP (Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire) to PA (Plateforme Agréée), or "Approved Platform." While it might seem like a simple name change, this update signals a more structured and centralized approach to e-invoicing across the country. So, why the new name? And what does it mean for businesses operating in or with France? Let’s take a look.
A name change that reflects a bigger shift
This isn’t just a case of changing labels. The new term — “plateforme agréée” — better reflects the evolving role of these platforms. Under the updated model, businesses will no longer be able to freely choose between different e-invoicing channels. Instead, they will need to work through officially certified providers — the PA’s — to send, receive, and report their invoices to the French tax authority.
In other words, France is moving away from a mixed system toward a fully regulated one, where only government-approved platforms are trusted to handle e-invoicing flows. These platforms must meet strict technical and security requirements, undergo certification, and keep pace with future regulatory updates. This brings more consistency and reliability to the entire e-invoicing ecosystem.
Why it was necessary
The change from PDP to PA also helps clear up confusion. When France first introduced the idea of certified platforms, the terminology wasn’t always consistent nor what the responsibilities of each player actually were.
By renaming these certified entities as “approved platforms,” the French government is making it clear: if you want to stay compliant, you need to use a platform that has gone through the proper certification process — no shortcuts, no uncertainty.
This change comes at a critical time. The full rollout of France’s e-invoicing and e-reporting mandate is approaching fast, with the first deadlines arriving in September 2026.
What it means for you
For most companies, especially those already preparing for the mandate, this name change won’t require any major adjustments. The roles and requirements of these platforms are the same as before. If you’re already working with a provider like Basware to ensure compliance in France, you’re on the right track.
But if you’ve been holding off, or if you’re still unsure what’s required, this is a good moment to get ahead of the curve. Every business that operates in France will soon need to rely on a certified PA to manage their invoicing and tax reporting obligations. This is no longer optional. It’s how the system is designed to work.
The good news is that this model comes with real advantages. With everyone working through the same regulated process, you get more reliable data, fewer errors, and better automation. In time, this also helps build a stronger foundation for wider digital finance transformation.
Basware's role
At Basware, we’re proud to be among the first providers officially approved under reserve by the French tax authority as a certified PDP — and now as a Plateforme Agréée (PA) under the new naming. This means we are fully authorized to handle compliant e-invoicing and e-reporting in France on behalf of our customers.
We’ve already helped many organizations prepare for the upcoming mandate and continue to support businesses in getting their invoice data ready, ensuring ERP integrations are in place, and navigating the 2026 and 2027 deadlines with confidence.
Looking ahead
France’s decision to rename PDPs as PAs might seem like a small tweak, but it reflects a much bigger shift in how governments are thinking about e-invoicing: not just as a regulatory necessity, but as an opportunity to simplify, standardize, and modernize the way businesses manage financial data.
For finance and IT leaders, this is a good time to align your invoicing systems with this new framework and make sure you’re working with a partner who understands both the technical and strategic sides of compliance as well as adding value to your processes.
If you have questions, or if you want help getting ready for France’s e-invoicing requirements, we’re here to support you every step of the way. France’s e-invoicing law is reshaping how businesses operate. Get compliant, stay efficient—learn how our solution can help.
