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Increasingly popular with businesses and encouraged by governments, more and more people are adopting electronic invoicing. Let Docaposte walk you through the new regulations.
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An electronic invoice is an invoice which is issued, sent and received in a digital format, through a fully automated invoicing process. An electronic invoice is only valid if its issuer has been formally identitifed, its content cannot be modified, and it is legible and complete. Just like paper invoices, it must include certain mandatory information. Depending on the type of recipient, this information (transmission method, format, additional data) may differ.
All entities subject to VAT (companies, associations) are affected by the reform for domestic B2B transfers (in Metropolitan France and overseas departments).
Furthermore, for international transfers or transfers received by private individuals, the reform requires e-reporting (data on collected VAT) to be sent to the government.
Docaposte handles B2B and B2G invoicing (via Chorus Pro) and can process all authorised invoice formats (EDI, XML, signed PDF, Factur-X, etc.).
The recipient will receive their invoices via their chosen PDP (Partner Dematerialisation Platform) in the requested format.
Electronic invoices and additional data must be sent to the government via an official PDP.
In summary, PDPs are service providers, acting as intermediaries between businesses and the tax authorities, who facilitate invoice dematerialization and data transmission.
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In force since 2020, B2G (Business to Government) electronic invoicing, which refers to invoices issued to public bodies such as the state, local governments or public establishments, is done via the Chorus Pro platform. For Docaposte's analysis of changing regulations, visit the dedicated B2G invoice page.
The electronic invoice reform is part of a wider project lead by the European Commission which proposed various measures within the scope of their 'VIDA' project (VAT in the digital age) within the European Union. This project is centered around three main objectives:
Docaposte provides the most comprehensive offer on the market for processing both supplier and customer invoices, suitable for the needs of all organisations, from small businesses to large corporations.
To ensure complete conformity, SERES, a Docaposte subsidiary specialised in electronic invoicing, has developed e-Facture PDP, a PDP (Partner Dematerialisation Partner) with advanced functionalities.
An e-invoice is an invoice that has been issued, transmitted, and received in a structured electronic format that allows for automated and electronic processing.
This makes it possible to process exchanges in a simplified and structured manner for customers and suppliers of small and medium-sized businesses, intermediate businesses or large businesses. An e-invoice has the same legal value as a paper invoice, but requires the entire process to be conducted electronically and through certified applications. Just like the classic paper invoice, it must also contain all mandatory information.
To create an e-invoice, you will need a solution which is easy to use and which complies with French legislation.
An e-invoice should not be confused with a dematerialized invoice. It must include the same mandatory information as a paper invoice:
Docaposte's electronic invoice solution will guide you through each of these steps. You can also speed up the process by adding an electronic signature and an electronic archiving system (EAS) for your invoices
An invoice can be certified as compliant through:
An electronic signature authenticated by a qualified electronic certificate.
Establishing one or more checks that create a reliable audit trail, retracing the relationship between the invoice and the delivery of goods or provision of services.
A message structured in accordance with a security standard previously defined by the involved parties, allowing automated processing. This structure can be achieved through different means such as integrated enterprise resource packages (ERP), electronic data interchange (EDI), XML format, an email with an attached PDF, or even receiving a digital fax.
All the conditions for an invoice to be certified as compliant have been further specified with the introduction of the VAT Fraud Prevention law on January 1, 2018.
A PDP (Partner Dematerialisation Platform) is a trusted and secure third party specialised in processing, receiving and sending electronic invoices, which is registered with the French administration. These platforms ensure the continuity and reliability of invoicing processes.
By implementing electronic invoicing your suppliers and clients will enjoy a host of benefits in comparison to classic paper invoices, most notably lower costs and faster processing in a secure and trustworthy environment. Furthermore, you will be prepared for regulations requiring mandatory electronic invoices in France.
Take full advantage of electronic invoices with Docaposte's solution:
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