Help and support

Through this FAQ, explore all the essential questions that will guide you through the world of electronic invoicing and related existing solutions.

EDI

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a system that allows companies to exchange commercial documents in an automated and secure manner, without human intervention. It replaces paper and email exchanges by ensuring fast, reliable and standards-compliant transmission between business partners. Thanks to standardized formats (EDIFACT, X12, XML), documents such as orders, invoices and shipping notices, generated by business software, are converted into a structured format and then transmitted via a secure network. This automation reduces data entry errors, improves traceability and optimizes transaction management. The recipient of their documents can then automatically integrate them into their software, without re-entering them. By adopting EDI, companies gain in efficiency, reduce the risk of litigation, administrative costs and ensure better collaboration with their partners.

API

An API (Application Programming Interface) is an interface that allows two applications to communicate with each other by defining a set of data exchange rules. It can operate locally or over a network and can use different protocols such as HTTP, RPC or even language-specific libraries. A webservice, on the other hand, is a special type of API that allows the exchange of data between two systems over a network, usually on the Internet. It often relies on protocols such as SOAP or REST, mainly using HTTP for the transmission of information. Thus, all webservices are APIs, but not all APIs are webservices. An API can be used without a network connection, while a webservice necessarily requires communication between a client and a server.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow applications to exchange data and are classified into several categories according to their architecture and communication mode. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) APIs use XML format to structure and secure information exchanges. This protocol guarantees strong security and strict transaction management, which makes it particularly suitable for financial services and public administrations. Thanks to its strict and standardized framework, SOAP is often preferred in environments where reliability and data integrity are essential. REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs are more flexible and lightweight than SOAP. They are based on defined architectural principles, such as a client-server architecture, a stateless server and the use of HTTP verbs such as GET, POST, PUT and DELETE. REST is today the most widely used standard for web and mobile APIs, because it facilitates integration and allows for faster and more efficient development. GraphQL APIs, developed by Facebook, offer an alternative to REST by allowing clients to request only the data they need. Unlike REST, where each resource has a specific endpoint, GraphQL centralizes requests on a single entry point, which reduces network overhead and optimizes data consumption. This approach is particularly useful for applications requiring great flexibility in querying data. gRPC (Google Remote Procedure Call) APIs are designed for ultra-fast communications between services. Based on Protocol Buffers (Protobuf), they allow faster and lighter data transmission than REST or SOAP. gRPC is particularly used for microservice architectures and applications requiring real-time exchanges, where latency must be minimal.

Electronic invoicing

No, only operations subject to VAT and falling within the scope of articles 258 to 259 D of the General Tax Code (CGI) are concerned by the obligation to electronically invoice or transmit data to the tax authorities. Operations excluded from VAT, either because they fall outside the scope of article 256 of the CGI, or because they benefit from an exemption without the right to deduct, are not concerned by the electronic invoicing system.

If your company is based in Martinique, Guadeloupe or La Réunion, you are subject to e-invoicing for the provision of services, and to the obligation to transmit data to the tax authorities for the supply of goods. However, if you are based in French Guiana or Mayotte, you are not concerned by electronic invoicing, as these territories are not subject to VAT in mainland France. If you carry out transactions subject to VAT in France, it is your customer or supplier, subject to VAT in France, who is subject to the obligation to transmit data (e-reporting). To summarize : - Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Réunion → Electronic invoicing for services / Data transmission for goods. - French Guiana, Mayotte → No electronic invoicing, but e-reporting possible for operations subject to VAT in France.

Companies based in the French Overseas Collectivities (Collectivités d'Outre-Mer - COM), i.e. Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Territories, are not concerned by the e-invoicing obligation. These territories are not subject to French VAT, and companies based there are not taxable for VAT under French tax law. Please note, however, that if a COM company carries out transactions subject to VAT in France, then the recipient company, domiciled in mainland France, is obliged to transmit these purchase data to the authorities (e-reporting), as is the case for purchases from foreign companies established in the EU. To summarize - COM companies → No mandatory e-invoicing. - Transactions subject to VAT in France → Purchaser obliged to transmit e-reporting data. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Yes, companies carrying out operations subject to VAT are concerned by electronic invoicing, even if they also carry out operations exempted under articles 261 to 261 E of the General Tax Code (CGI). These exempt operations remain subject to the invoicing obligations set out in article 289 of the CGI, which brings them within the scope of electronic invoicing. However, specific management rules will be put in place to adapt invoice transmission to the particularities of exempt operations.

Yes, SMEs can anticipate their entry into electronic invoicing before the official implementation date. They can choose to comply voluntarily with the rules set out in legislative texts and external specifications, by equipping themselves with a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). Anticipation is even strongly encouraged, as the date of application of the reform is a date at the latest: the date by which the company concerned must have implemented a means of guaranteeing its compliance with the obligations... Does early entry apply to electronic invoicing and e-reporting? No, early entry only applies to electronic invoicing. The obligation to transmit e-reporting data (for transactions outside the scope of electronic invoicing) cannot be anticipated, and must be complied with only from the official date of entry into force for each category of company.

If an SME decides to anticipate its entry into electronic invoicing before January 1, 2026, it is free to choose which invoices it issues in electronic format and which it continues to issue in paper or conventional PDF format. Until the reform comes into force, companies are not obliged to issue all their invoices in electronic format. However, it is advisable to adopt the applicable terms and conditions gradually, in order to facilitate the transition. Please note - To be considered a compliant electronic invoice, the invoice must be sent via a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). - A simple PDF sent by e-mail does not constitute an electronic invoice within the meaning of the reform. As a result, SMEs wishing to anticipate their entry into the system must ensure that they use a circuit that complies with the electronic invoicing standards laid down by the reform.

From 1ᵉʳ September 2026, all companies established in France will be required to receive electronic invoices issued in accordance with legal provisions, regardless of the status of the issuer. Thus, even if a company is not yet subject to the obligation to issue electronic invoices, its customers will have to accept the electronic invoices it issues via a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). entreprendre.service-public.fr It is important to note that the obligation to issue electronic invoices will be implemented gradually: - 1ᵉʳ September 2026: for large companies and intermediate-sized companies (ETI). - 1ᵉʳ September 2027: for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), very small enterprises (VSEs) and micro-businesses. However, from 1ᵉʳ September 2026, all companies will have to be able to receive electronic invoices, regardless of their own issuing obligation. economie.gouv.fr Consequently, the recipient of an electronic invoice issued in accordance with Article 289 bis of the General Tax Code by a company not yet subject to the obligation to issue will be obliged to accept it from 1ᵉʳ September 2026. Before September 1, 2026, the recipient of an electronic invoice is therefore not obliged to accept it; it is up to the issuer to ensure that his Customer will accept it.

No, for B2B transactions in France, sending invoices simply by e-mail will no longer comply with the new e-invoicing obligations. From now on, invoices must be sent via a registered Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). These platforms will be responsible for issuing, transmitting and receiving electronic invoices between VAT-registered companies in France. A simple PDF file sent by e-mail will no longer be considered a compliant electronic invoice. However, if your customer is a private individual (B2C) or a foreign company outside the scope of compulsory electronic invoicing, you can continue to send invoices by e-mail, provided you comply with the invoicing obligations in force and ensure the transmission of this transaction information to the tax authorities (e-reporting), via your PDP.

Yes, you retain the right to refuse an invoice, even if it is sent in electronic format. There are a number of reasons why you may refuse an invoice: - Incorrect amount, VAT or customer details - Invoice sent in error or in duplicate - Invoice does not comply with the terms of the contract or purchase order. How can I refuse an electronic invoice? Your Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP) will provide a function enabling you to issue a refusal directly via its interface. Please note: Invoices must be rejected within the deadlines and conditions defined in the business relationship. A notification will be sent to the sender so that he can issue a new invoice if necessary. The issuer will also be required to issue an internal credit note (which will not be passed on to the customer) for his own accounting purposes. In the event of a dispute, it is always advisable to contact the supplier directly before rejecting an invoice, to avoid blockages or errors in the accounts.

The general rules for invoicing remain the same, and the mandatory information required by the French Commercial Code and General Tax Code (CGI) will continue to apply. However, four new mandatory statements will have to be added to improve the management of electronic invoices. However, if your company is subject to electronic invoicing, you will no longer be able to send invoices directly to your B2B business customers. From now on, invoices must be sent via a registered Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). How does sending electronic invoices work? 1- You issue your invoice and send it via your dematerialization platform. 2- Your platform transmits the invoice to your customer's platform. 3- Your customer receives the invoice via his chosen platform. Please note! A simple PDF sent by e-mail will no longer be recognized as a compliant electronic invoice for domestic B2B transactions. However, for private customers (B2C) or foreign companies, you will still be able to send your invoices directly, in compliance with current tax regulations and your obligation to transmit this transaction information to the tax authorities (e-reporting), via your PDP.

Yes, your supplier is free to choose the e-invoice format he uses. But rest assured, all Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDP) are obliged to be able to handle all 3 electronic invoice formats. You can then ask your PDP, if this is part of its service offering, to carry out a format transformation; for example, to control the invoice import format in your management tools. The system is based on the principle of interoperability, guaranteeing that each company can use the platform of its choice. All PDPs must be compatible with each other and with the PPF, and electronic invoice formats are standardized to ensure automated reading and processing. The formats recognized by the regulations are : - Factur-X: a hybrid format combining readable PDF and structured XML data. - UBL (Universal Business Language): an internationally standardized structured format. - CII (Cross Industry Invoice): a structured format facilitating integration into accounting and ERP systems. Each platform must be able to handle all three formats on the receive side, and at least one on the transmit side. What this means in practice: - Your supplier is free to choose the electronic invoice format he uses. - You choose the platform that suits you best, and it will convert the invoice into a format compatible with your system. Please note! A simple PDF sent by e-mail will no longer be valid. With the reform, electronic invoices will have to pass through a PDP to be compliant. An unstructured PDF will no longer suffice to meet the legal requirements for electronic invoicing in domestic B2B.

No, a PDF invoice sent by email will not be recognized as an electronic invoice under the e-invoicing reform. To be considered a true electronic invoice, it must be transmitted via a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). In addition, it must contain structured data allowing its integration and automatic exploitation by accounting and tax systems. From September 2026 and September 2027, companies will be required to issue and receive their invoices via these platforms, and a simple PDF sent by email will no longer be sufficient to comply with legal requirements.

Yes, electronic invoicing is gradually becoming mandatory for French companies subject to VAT. The 2020 Finance Act initiated this transition in order to modernize commercial exchanges and strengthen tax traceability. From September 1, 2026, all companies must be able to receive electronic invoices via a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). The issuance obligation, for its part, will be implemented gradually according to the size of the companies: - September 1, 2026: issuance obligation for large companies and ETIs. - September 1, 2027: issuance obligation for SMEs and micro-enterprises. The reform of electronic invoicing in France aims to combat VAT fraud and simplify the reporting obligations of companies by automating the transmission of tax data. It also helps improve the traceability of transactions and optimize accounting management through the dematerialization and interoperability of systems.

The reform of electronic invoicing introduced by the Finance Act provides for a gradual implementation depending on the size of companies subject to VAT in France. From 1 September 2026, all companies must be able to receive electronic invoices, regardless of their size. This date also marks the start of the obligation to issue for large companies and mid-sized companies (ETIs). Then, from 1 September 2027, the obligation to issue will be extended to all companies, including SMEs, VSEs and micro-enterprises. The e-reporting obligation (the declaration by the taxable person of transactions that have not been the subject of electronic invoicing) follows the same timetable as for the obligation to issue. This reform aims to combat VAT fraud and simplify companies' reporting obligations by automating the transmission of tax data. It also helps improve the traceability of transactions and optimize accounting management through the dematerialization and interoperability of systems.

The PPF (Public Billing Portal) is managed by the State, its role evolved in October 2024. Initially intended to offer a public platform for issuing and receiving electronic invoices, it now focuses on two main missions: being a central directory to identify the PDPs used by companies and a data concentrator responsible for transmitting essential information to the tax administration. Its role is therefore no longer operational for the direct exchange of invoices between companies. PDPs are private Partner Dematerialization Platforms registered by tax bodies acting as trusted third parties. They play an intermediary role by transmitting dematerialized invoices between suppliers and customers, while extracting crucial data for the tax administration. Finally, ODs are dematerialization service providers who support companies in the transition to electronic invoicing. They ensure the conversion of documents, archiving and integration of invoicing flows. However, ODs are not directly connected to the tax administration and must rely on a PDP for the reception or issuance of invoices and invoicing data. In summary, the PPF makes it possible to identify the PDPs associated with the Companies and centralizes and transmits the tax data to the administration, the PDPs manage the exchange of invoices and guarantee their compliance, and the ODs offer additional services in support of the companies. This structuring makes it possible to optimize the management of electronic invoices and to ensure a smooth transition towards the total dematerialization of B2B exchanges.

As of January 1, 2025, over 80 PDPs have been conditionally registered by the French tax authorities. The full list of registered platforms is available on the official French tax website. PDP selection criteria When choosing a Partner Dematerialization Platform, it's essential to take several factors into account:

  • Interoperability and portability of flows: seamless integration with existing business processes and compatibility with business partners, with no break in the transition.
  • Non-reform invoice processing: support of documents via EDI or OCR/Video-coding to ensure complete management.
  • Data security: ISO 27001 certification, data hosted on a secure server in France, and exchange protection via advanced encryption protocols.
  • Formats supported: compatibility with all reform formats (Factur-X, UBL, CII) to ensure issuance in accordance with the format your customer may require, as well as support for specific formats.
How to make the right choice? Assess your invoice management needs (volumes, formats, ERP integration). Choose a platform that complies with 2026 standards, is registered as a PDP, and offers intuitive operation to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. For more information: Consult the list of registered PDPs on the French tax authorities' website.

With mandatory electronic invoicing coming into force in September 2026, companies must adapt their processes to ensure a smooth and compliant transition. The first step is to analyze the impact of the reform on invoicing flows and identify the necessary adjustments. Then, it is essential to choose a suitable solution, by opting for a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP), capable of managing standard formats such as Factur-X, UBL or CII. It is also crucial to involve and train teams, particularly accounting and financial departments, so that they master the new tools and processes. Anticipating costs and resources is another key step: this includes investment in software, training and support from a specialized service provider if necessary. Finally, a test phase must be set up before the deadline, to identify possible adjustments and ensure smooth integration with partners.

Evaluate your billing management needs and search for the solution through Artéva services, offering functionalities adapted to your business. Then compare the options available in terms of security and usability for your team.

E-reporting

To determine whether a transaction must be subject to electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) or to the transmission of information to the administration (e-reporting), two essential criteria must be analyzed: the place of establishment of the parties and the territoriality of the VAT. First of all, it is important to identify where the customer and the supplier are established. If both parties are located in France, the transaction falls within the scope of electronic invoicing in e-invoicing. On the other hand, if one of the parties is abroad (EU or non-EU), the transaction will be subject to e-reporting, because it cannot be processed within the framework of mandatory electronic invoicing. Then, the territoriality of VAT must be checked. Electronic invoicing only applies to domestic B2B transactions, i.e. between companies subject to VAT in France. Conversely, e-reporting concerns B2C transactions, exchanges with foreign companies, as well as certain exempt operations that do not fall within the scope of electronic invoicing. In summary, electronic invoicing in e-invoicing only concerns transactions between taxable persons established in France and subject to French tax rules. E-reporting, for its part, applies to operations outside the scope of electronic invoicing, such as sales to individuals, exports and intra-Community acquisitions.

E-reporting is a tax obligation that requires companies to transmit certain information to the administration when a transaction does not fall under electronic invoicing in e-invoicing. It aims to improve transparency and facilitate the monitoring of operations subject to VAT. This obligation concerns several types of transactions. First of all, sales and services carried out with individuals (B2C), which are not covered by electronic invoicing between companies. Then, sales with foreign companies, whether established in the European Union or outside the EU, as well as purchases made from suppliers established in the European Union. Also concerned are operations deemed to be located in France and subject to VAT, carried out by companies not established on French territory, as well as payments for services when VAT is due upon collection. E-reporting complements electronic invoicing by allowing the administration to collect the data necessary to ensure better tax monitoring. It will also contribute to the automation of the pre-filling of VAT returns, thus saving time and simplifying administrative procedures for businesses.

All companies subject to VAT and established in France are concerned by e-reporting when they carry out operations outside the scope of electronic invoicing, in particular: - Sales and provision of services to individual customers (B2C). - Transactions with foreign companies (EU and non-EU). - Certain operations located in France and subject to VAT (Article 290 of the CGI). Are foreign companies concerned? Yes, certain foreign companies not established in France may be subject to e-reporting if they carry out taxable operations in France. Which operations are excluded? Operations exempt from VAT under Articles 261 and 261 E of the CGI are not concerned by e-reporting.

Dematerialization of supplier invoices

For a dematerialized invoice to be legally valid, it must respect three fundamental principles: authenticity of origin, integrity of content and legibility. These criteria guarantee that the issuer is properly identified, that the data has not been altered, and that the invoice remains available for consultation at all times. To ensure compliance, it is essential to use a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP), which guarantees compliance with legal obligations and tax standards, as well as the secure transmission of invoices. Invoices must be issued in a regulated format (Factur-X, UBL, CII) and stored in a secure archiving system for 10 years, guaranteeing their integrity and accessibility in the event of an audit.

What solutions are there to digitize and process my paper invoices? With Orchestrade®, document digitization automates the processing of paper invoices and their integration into your ERP. You have two options: In-house scanning: You continue to receive your paper invoices, scan them, and Orchestrade® takes care of data extraction and automatic integration into your system. Complete outsourcing: A dedicated postal address is provided to receive your invoices. The partner service, included in the Orchestrade® offer, takes care of opening envelopes, scanning and transmission to Orchestrade for data extraction and integration into your accounting tools. With these solutions, paper invoice management becomes faster, while you wait for the widespread introduction of electronic invoicing.

Orchestrade® is an advanced digital platform that optimizes the management of business processes and commercial documents. Designed to facilitate exchanges between partners and collaborators, it offers a collaborative, flexible and scalable solution. Thanks to its BPMN 2.0 engine, Orchestrade® enables business flows to be modeled and automated, guaranteeing smooth process execution. Its customizable B2B portal centralizes documents, facilitates tracking and enables real-time data sharing. With its omnichannel approach, the platform integrates and distributes documents via various channels, while being multi-system and multi-protocol, ensuring compatibility with market software. Finally, Orchestrade® is scalable and adaptable, enabling business processes to be optimized and extended without impacting existing architecture, guaranteeing a smooth transition to digitalization. Orchestrade® is a complete solution for centralizing, automating and securing your company's document management, while improving collaboration and productivity.

The dematerialization of supplier invoices makes administrative management faster, more secure and more cost-effective. It reduces the use of paper, eliminating printing and storage constraints, and automates processes from issue to archiving. Productivity gains are significant thanks to automation, reducing human error and speeding up invoice validation. Costs are cut by 50-75% on printing and mailing, and traceability is enhanced, facilitating transaction control and non-payment management. Compliance and security are improved, with greater respect for regulations and data security. Integration with ERP systems enables real-time updating of financial data and centralization of invoices. Relations with suppliers are improved thanks to faster payments and simplified access to documents. Finally, dematerialization contributes to an ecological approach by reducing the company's environmental footprint.

A digital invoice is an electronic version of a paper invoice, obtained by scanning or photography. It retains the visual format of the original invoice but does not contain any structured data that can be automatically used by management software. Unlike an electronic invoice (issued directly in compliant digital format such as Factur-X, UBL or XML), a digital invoice does not offer automation and must be processed manually or via an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) system to extract its data.

Orchestrade® is a comprehensive, secure platform that optimizes supplier invoice management while guaranteeing compliance, flexibility and seamless integration with your information system. It covers all purchasing and sales processes, from Purchase to Pay to Order to Cash, and integrates banking and accounting synchronization. Its advanced security is based on strict standards, including ISO 27001 certification, data encryption, double authentication and legal archiving in compliance with current regulations. With its customizable business workflows, adaptable KPIs and tailor-made interfaces, Orchestrade® adapts to the specific needs of each company. Its pricing model based on actual consumption makes it a cost-effective solution. Last but not least, the platform is ergonomic and collaborative, making it easy to share data with partners, and integrating seamlessly with your ERP, accounting, banking and customer and supplier repositories.

Supplier-customer relationships

The electronic invoicing obligation only applies to transactions between two taxable persons established in France, where these are subject to French invoicing rules. If a company established in France carries out a transaction subject to foreign VAT (for example, an exempt intra-Community delivery or a service located outside France), this transaction does not fall within the scope of electronic invoicing. However, such transactions may be subject to the obligation to transmit data to the French tax authorities (e-reporting), particularly if : - they concern a taxable person located outside France, - they are subject to French VAT but are carried out with a non-taxable person (e.g. a foreign private individual). Transactions located in France or outside the EU may therefore be subject to data transmission, but those located in another EU member state do not fall within the scope of e-invoicing.

The obligation to receive electronic invoices will apply to all companies from September 1ᵉʳ 2026, regardless of their size. By this date, all businesses will have to be able to receive electronic invoices issued by their suppliers. With regard to the obligation to issue electronic invoices, the timetable is as follows: - 1ᵉʳ September 2026: Obligation for large companies (GE) and intermediate-sized companies (ETI) to issue electronic invoices. - 1ᵉʳ September 2027: Obligation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), small and micro-enterprises (this concerns auto-entrepreneurs) to issue electronic invoices. Data transmission to the administration (e-reporting) follows the same timetable. This gradual roll-out is designed to enable companies to adapt to the new e-invoicing requirements.

Electronic invoices from your suppliers will be sent to you via a dematerialization platform. You'll need to choose a platform either directly, or via your accountant, bank, or commercial or accounting management software. The Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP) will declare in the Public Company Directory that it handles the receipt of electronic invoices on your behalf. You can choose to receive invoices for your entire company, or just part of it. This means you can choose several PDPs. Each company is free to choose its platform(s) according to its organization and partner ecosystem.

In accordance with article 289-V of the French General Tax Code (CGI), the supplier must be able to provide a copy of the invoice if requested by the customer. If the invoice has been issued or received via a dematerialization platform, the latter must also allow access to a copy of the invoice. However, it is not mandatory to systematically send a copy of every electronic invoice transmitted. What is essential is that every taxable person (supplier or customer) should be able to find and present a copy of invoices issued and received on request, particularly in the event of a tax audit.

Dematerialization of customer invoices

The reform of the 2026 e-Invoicing law provides for a phased implementation schedule based on the size of VAT-registered companies in France, assessed according to criteria such as number of employees and turnover.

Artéva offers a complete SaaS platform for electronic customer invoicing, compatible with all outbound invoice formats including Factur-X, EDIFACT, XML, signed PDF and paper via the Editorial Center. With Orchestrade, you get a fast connection to your customers' digital platforms, making it easy to digitize your billing process. A dedicated B2B web portal allows the deposit, tracking and consultation of invoices, as well as the implementation of monitoring for full EDI projects. Artéva also ensures electronic archiving in accordance with tax standards for 10 years and the electronic signature of PDFs, guaranteeing their legal validity with a reliable audit trail.

The dematerialization of customer invoices offers your company many strategic advantages. By reducing internal costs and speeding up payment processes, it goes beyond simple automation to give your documents real legal value. Electronic invoicing not only reduces the time taken to send invoices, thus facilitating quick payment, but also ensures compliance with data and mandatory legal notices. Freeing your teams from manual tasks like mailings and mailing will help you focus on higher value-added activities, increasing their productivity.

The dematerialization of customer invoices represents a real opportunity for savings for companies. To calculate the return on investment (ROI), it is essential to start with an accurate estimate of the costs associated with paper invoices, including creation, editing, enveloping, postage and archiving. Then, these costs should be compared with those of electronic invoices, taking into account significant benefits such as the speed of transmission, simplified access to original documents and duplicates, and comprehensive traceability of transactions.

The choice of an e-invoicing platform depends on your company's specific needs in terms of management, compliance and integration. To ensure a smooth transition to mandatory e-invoicing in 2026, it's essential to opt for a solution that guarantees security, interoperability and regulatory compliance. A good platform must be registered as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). It must also support different invoice formats such as Factur-X, EDIFACT, XML or signed PDF, and enable secure archiving in line with tax requirements. Ergonomics and integration with accounting or ERP software are important criteria for rapid adoption by teams. Last but not least, personalized assistance and efficient technical support are major assets in ensuring smooth management of electronic invoices. Artéva's solutions meet these requirements by offering a secure, interoperable platform that complies with 2026 standards, thus facilitating the digitization of the invoicing process.

TMA

Continuous and responsive maintenance By entrusting the scalable maintenance of their EDI/EAI platform to business experts, IT teams can focus on strategic projects without worrying about operating, maintenance, and correction tasks. Fast and tailored support With Third Party Application Maintenance (TMA), your EDI platform is continuously maintained and supervised. Tickets are handled from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a possible extension of the time slot, thus guaranteeing a rapid response adapted to business issues. Technical and strategic support Thanks to rapid processing of deployment requests, IT departments and Technical Managers benefit from an agile and efficient solution. Smooth coordination between all stakeholders Our Artéva teams ensure continuous management between suppliers, customers, and business teams to guarantee effective Middleware and meet the real needs of users.

Third-Party Application Maintenance (TMA) is a strategic solution to ensure the supervision, optimization and security of EDI/EAI flows, while guaranteeing effective incident management and scalable maintenance. Opting for TMA allows you to delegate the management of flows and any malfunctions to a specialized service provider, thus ensuring continuous and responsive supervision. Thanks to Operational Condition Maintenance and corrective and scalable maintenance, TMA improves the performance and reliability of the platforms used. By outsourcing these tasks, IT teams can focus on high value-added projects, while ensuring users a high level of availability of the EDI platform and better responsiveness to requests. In addition, expert support makes it possible to anticipate and quickly resolve incidents and requests for development, thus guaranteeing smooth and optimized management of digital flows. In summary, EDI platform TMA is ideal for companies wishing to stabilize, evolve and optimize their platform while benefiting from proactive and efficient management of their EDI exchanges.

Procedures

Invoicing procedures remain unchanged with the introduction of electronic invoicing. There is no specific deadline for submitting electronic invoices. VAT-registered companies must continue to issue and transmit their invoices as and when required, in accordance with the usual deadlines linked to their commercial and tax obligations. However, electronic invoices will have to be transmitted via a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP), which will ensure that they comply with regulatory requirements and are transmitted within a maximum of 24 hours.

Yes, you'll still have to file a VAT return, even with the introduction of electronic invoicing. You will still have to file your return at the current frequency, which depends on your tax regime: - Régime réel normal → monthly or quarterly filing, - Régime simplifié d'imposition (RSI) → annual filing with interim instalments. However, electronic invoicing will enable VAT returns to be progressively pre-filled using data collected via Partner Dematerialization Platforms and transmitted to the Public Invoicing Portal (PPF). Eventually, this system will facilitate VAT control and declaration, but each company will still have to check, complete and validate its declaration before filing.

You will continue to file your VAT return at the same frequency as at present, depending on your tax regime: - Standard actual system : monthly declaration (or quarterly by option if annual VAT is less than €4,000). - Simplified taxation system : a single annual declaration with half-yearly instalments. - Basic VAT exemption: no VAT return to be filed, unless the exemption threshold is exceeded. The filing method remains unchanged. With the introduction of electronic invoicing, data collected via Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDP) will enable VAT returns to be progressively pre-filled. However, each company will still have to check and validate its information before filing.

Interactions with the tax administration

No, the tax authorities will only retrieve information that is strictly necessary for the performance of their duties, in particular for the pre-filling of VAT returns and tax audits. Only the mandatory information defined by : Article 242 nonies A of Appendix II of the French General Tax Code (CGI), Article L. 441-9 of the French Commercial Code, This information includes in particular : Supplier and customer identification, Invoice number and issue date, Total amount excluding and including VAT, Details of applicable VAT, The nature of the transaction (supply of goods or services). However, the tax authorities do not have access to the full content of invoices, in particular to non-mandatory details such as specific contractual or commercial elements.

The extraction and transmission of tax data to the tax authorities is handled by the Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDP). The issuing PDP is responsible for extracting the mandatory information and transmitting it to the tax authorities.

The data transmitted to the tax authorities is targeted at tax and anti-fraud requirements, and does not include all the mandatory information on an invoice. This limitation is designed to facilitate the adoption of electronic invoicing and ensure a gradual transition to structured or mixed formats. Only information strictly necessary for : - Pre-filling of VAT returns, - Tax control and fraud prevention, Other mandatory information (e.g. general sales conditions, contractual references) remains on the electronic invoice, but is not systematically transmitted to the authorities. In addition, data acquisition by the French tax authorities will take place in several stages, with a gradual ramp-up of requirements between 2026 and 2027, according to the updated reform timetable.

In the event of a tax audit, electronic invoices must comply with three essential principles: authenticity of origin, integrity of content and legibility. These requirements apply from the time the invoice is issued until the end of its retention period. In accordance with article L. 102 B of the French Tax Code (LPF), invoices must be kept for 6 years by the supplier and the customer. The tax authorities must be able to check compliance and the absence of fraud by comparing : - The invoice issued and retained by the supplier, whether generated directly by the supplier or by a partner dematerialization platform (PDP) or third-party operator. - The invoice received and stored by the customer, in the format provided by its own receiving platform. Regardless of whether the invoice has been converted to another format after receipt, the company must be able to establish a reliable audit trail between invoices issued and received, and the delivery of goods or services. Tax authorities must be able to establish a reliable audit trail between invoices issued and received, and the delivery of goods or services.