French e-Invoicing Reform Update:
PDPs Now Central

The French Ministry of Finance has released a critical update on the upcoming e-Invoicing reform, which will overhaul invoicing practices for businesses across France. This development places a new emphasis on partner dematerialization platforms (PDPs), redefining their role in the process.

Highlights from the Announcement (October 15, 2024)

• The General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP) has provisionally approved over 70 PDPs as of March 25, 2024. This level of involvement indicates strong readiness within the ecosystem to support the reform.
• All business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) invoicing will be routed through these PDPs, ensuring secure and efficient processing.

• The PPF will focus on essential functions, such as managing a registry of invoice recipients and acting as a data hub to transmit information to tax authorities, primarily to combat VAT fraud.

• September 1, 2026: All businesses must be equipped to receive electronic invoices. Large and mid-sized enterprises will be mandated to issue electronic invoices.
• September 1, 2027: SMEs and microenterprises must also start issuing electronic invoices.

Impact for Businesses

Businesses intending to use an Opérateur de Dématérialisation (OD) or connect directly with the PPF must now align with a registered PDP to comply with the new requirements.

Upcoming Developments

Additional information is expected in November, covering any updates to technical standards, implementation specifics, and the broader implications for businesses.