Navigating the French E-Invoicing Landscape: Critical Updates from FNFE-MPE

The recent Forum National de la Facture Électronique (FNFE-MPE) plenary session on September 13, 2024, provided important updates regarding the French e-invoicing mandate and its evolving framework. As the e-invoicing landscape continues to develop, it's crucial to stay informed about upcoming changes and how they will impact your business processes. Below, we’ll cover the key insights and next steps for our customers as we move toward full compliance.

Key updates on the French e-invoicing mandate

1. Immatriculation of PDPs
   

   The French tax authority (DGFiP) has provisionally registered the first group of PDPs (Plateformes de Dématérialisation Partenaires), marking a critical milestone for the e-invoicing reform. A total of 56 provisional registrations have been granted, setting the foundation for a network of certified platforms to manage electronic invoices – and Basware is part of it!

2. Upcoming pilots and tests
   

   One of the major announcements was the launch of the “Petit Pilote” for the Annuaire (Directory) service. This pilot aims to test the directory that will centralize e-invoice recipient data, ensuring smooth data exchange between PDPs. The preparation phase for this pilot begins in late 2024, with live tests involving "pioneer" participants starting in December 2024 or January 2025.

3. Version 2.4 specifications released
   

   Version 2.4 of the external specifications has been published, providing further details on how the French Public Billing Platform (PPF) will operate. This includes its interactions with PDPs, how it handles e-reporting, and the lifecycle management of e-invoices. Significant attention has been given to inter-platform interoperability, ensuring a standardized flow of data between PDPs to comply with the mandate. Key adjustments in rules and profiles will ensure that both Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) requirements are met.

What to expect in the coming months

1. Focus on Annuaire development
   

   The Annuaire, a centralized directory that links SIRET numbers (unique business identifiers in France) with appropriate PDPs, is a cornerstone of the reform. This system will ensure that invoices are correctly routed to their intended recipients. To participate, companies must register their SIREN or SIRET numbers and the PDP responsible for processing their invoices. The pilot phase will allow PDPs to connect and verify the functionality of the directory, and the results of these tests will influence the full-scale rollout scheduled for 2025.

2. Factur-X update
   

   A new version of the Factur-X standard, version 1.0.07, was presented. This version includes updates to handle both French and German e-invoicing requirements, as well as new data elements to comply with the latest reforms. The final release of this version is planned for November 15, 2024, aligning with European standard updates.

3. Phased deployment of the Annuaire
   

   The directory service will roll out progressively in 2025, for PDPs, on a voluntary basis. Those participating in the pilot will be among the first to benefit from this system, which will allow them to send and receive invoices through interconnected PDPs using real-world data.

Preparing for the next phase

The FNFE-MPE plenary session emphasized the importance of collaboration and readiness as the French e-invoicing mandate progresses toward its next phase. With the Annuaire service set to go live and new technical specifications in place, businesses must act now to ensure compliance and benefit from the streamlined, interoperable invoicing system.

At Basware, we are here to guide you through each step of the process. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support as you navigate the upcoming changes.

Stay ahead of the curve with our France E-Invoicing Mandate Infographic, designed to help you understand the evolving regulatory landscape. Discover how Basware can support your compliance journey and ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements. Download the infographic now to explore these updates in more detail!