Electronic invoice exchange in France is changing fundamentally. From September 1, 2026, it will no longer be sufficient to generate an electronic invoice and send it directly by email to the business partner. Companies will in future additionally need to connect to a state-approved platform. With the eDoc app, we help you prepare your invoice processes in Microsoft Dynamics Business Central to meet the new requirements.
What changes does the e-invoice bring in France?
So far, electronic invoices have been created in a suitable French format, such as Factur-X, and can be exchanged directly between business partners.
The French e-invoicing reform makes the transmission via an approved platform mandatory. These platforms have so far been recognized as PDP – Partner Dematerialization Platform These are designated and are referred to in the current French communication as state-approved platforms.
From the September 1, 2026 All affected companies in France must be able to receive electronic invoices. Large companies and medium-sized companies must start issuing electronic invoices from this point onwards. For small and medium-sized companies and microenterprises, the obligation to issue begins on September 1, 2027.
This is how the future invoice exchange works
The new process can be simplified into four steps:
- The invoice is created in Microsoft Business Central using our eDoc App created in an acceptable electronic format, for example Factur-X, UBL or CII.
- The invoice is then sent to the platform selected and linked by the company.
- The platform checks and validates the invoice data and forwards the invoice to the platform or the receiving solution of the business partner.
- Status messages and return-to-origin data are returned to the sending system and can be used for further processing and documentation.
A PDF invoice that is merely sent by email no longer meets the requirements for an electronic invoice under the French reform. The invoice must be in a standardized electronic format and transmitted via an approved platform.
Why companies need a platform in addition to an e-invoicing solution
France relies on a network of approved platform providers for the exchange of invoices. Companies generally choose their own provider. The platform, among other things, handles the transmission and receipt of electronic invoices as well as the transmission of the legally required invoice, transaction, and payment data to the French financial administration.
For companies, this means that simply creating a correct invoice format is only one part of the technical solution. In addition, the ERP system used, the invoice application, and the chosen platform must work together reliably.
It is at this very point that our eDoc App to.
The eDoc App as the connection between Microsoft Dynamics and the French platform
With our eDoc app, you can create electronic invoices directly from your existing Microsoft Business Central environment. The structured invoice data required for France is exported in a suitable format and prepared for transmission to the selected platform.
To connect to the respective platform provider, we develop an interface that is tailored to the existing system landscape. The prerequisite is that the selected provider provides the necessary technical specifications, authentication methods, and interface information.
Especially with older ERP versions like Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 Therefore, it should be examined early on whether the desired platform provider meets the technical requirements for a stable connection.
What should you consider when choosing a provider?
For financial and IT managers, the formal approval of a platform provider is not the only factor that is crucial. Equally important is whether the provider can be meaningfully integrated into the existing processes and systems.
In particular, the following should be examined:
- the technical connection to the Microsoft Dynamics version used,
- the support of the required invoice formats,
- available and sufficiently documented interfaces,
- the processing of status and error messages,
- Update and operational security,
- Support services and long-term scalability.
As a possible provider, for example Pagero AB To be evaluated if its technical requirements match your ERP and system landscape. The final selection should always be based on an individual technical and professional assessment.
Why you should start preparing now
The introduction of the French e-invoice not only affects the format of an invoice; it changes the entire shipping, receiving, and return process. In addition to choosing a platform, interfaces must be coordinated, invoice data must be verified, and processes must be tested.
Early preparation reduces the pressure on time before the deadline and creates certainty for the finance department, accounting, and IT.
With the eDoc app, we take a clear approach: we combine technical implementation with reliable, long-term processes – in line with our promise of performance. „Engineering trust. Enabling transformation.“
Their next steps
Check it out with us now:
- Which French companies and accounting processes are affected?
- Which Microsoft Dynamics version is being used?
- What invoice formats are required?
- Which platform provider fits the existing system landscape?
- What interfaces and process adjustments must be implemented by the deadline?
With the eDoc app, you create the foundation for a structured and integrated e-invoicing process – directly from your Microsoft Business Central environment.
Ready for e-invoicing in France?
Contact us. Together, we analyze your existing system landscape, examine the requirements of the desired platform provider, and develop a suitable connection for your eDoc app.
Talk to us.
Tel. +49 89 21111848 | Email: vertrieb@br-ag.com