Electronic invoicing becomes compulsory

The reform of electronic invoicing in France is gradually coming into force, with widespread use planned from 2026. The aim of this major transformation is to modernise commercial exchanges, strengthen the fight against tax fraud and simplify reporting obligations for businesses.

The deadline may still seem a long way off, but 2025 is nonetheless a decisive year: it’s the ideal time to get ready, choose the right tools and adapt your processes. By anticipating these changes, you can avoid rushing into things at the last minute, secure your compliance and reap the many benefits of electronic invoicing.

In this article, find out more about the official timetable for the reform, why it’s essential to prepare for it from 2025, and what practical steps you can take now.

The official timetable for the reform

Originally scheduled to come into force in 2024, the reform of electronic invoicing has been postponed to give businesses and service providers the time they need to adapt. Here are the key stages now announced:

• 2024 : pilot phase – experimentation with volunteer companies and first partner platforms (PDP).
• 2025 : a year of preparation – companies need to comply, choose their solution and adapt their processes.
• 1 September 2026: mandatory electronic invoicing comes into force:
  • Compulsory type-approval for all companies, regardless of size
  • Bond issue :
    • Large companies and ETIs: from 1 September 2026.
    • SMEs and VSEs: according to a specified timetable, with a staggered entry into force (the final administrative details are currently being finalised).

To sum up: 2025 is the key year for preparing for the transition, choosing the right tools and putting in place the processes needed to be ready by 2026.

Why plan ahead now?

Although e-invoicing will not come into general use until 2026, it would be a mistake for many businesses to wait until the last minute. 2025 is a key year for preparing for this transition.

Here’s why it’s essential to think ahead:

• Avoid haste
  In 2026, a large number of companies will have to comply at the same time. Service providers will be in great demand, and deadlines are likely to get longer. Looking ahead to 2025 will help avoid this bottleneck.
• Taking the time to choose the right solution
  The dematerialisation market is evolving rapidly. Looking ahead means you can compare solutions and assess their compatibility with your accounting tools and your specific needs (e.g. education sector).
• Adapting internal processes
  Implementing electronic invoicing is not just a technical change. Validation circuits need to be adapted, teams need to be trained and document management needs to be rethought. A gradual roll-out in 2025 will make it easier to get on board.
• Training teams
  To ensure smooth adoption, it is important to plan ahead for user training. Starting as early as 2025 will give them time to get to grips with the new tools.

Optimising accounting management
Looking ahead is also an opportunity to improve and automate your management processes. By deploying a solution like Azopio now, you’ll gain in productivity and reliability well before 2026.

Checklist of actions to be taken by 2025

Here are the key steps to follow to prepare your company for electronic invoicing with peace of mind:

• Take stock of your current invoicing processes
  Identify the types of invoices issued and received, the channels used and the current processing method (manual, partially automated, fully digital, etc.).
• Mapping the channels for receiving and issuing invoices
  Where do supplier invoices arrive? By email, portal, paper? How are your customer invoices issued? Management software, ERP, other?
• Check your existing tools
  Is your management or accounting software compatible with the future reform? Is it ready to exchange data with a PDP (partner dematerialisation platform)?
• Choosing the right solution
  Identify and select a compliant, scalable solution, such as Azopio, which will enable you to prepare for the transition smoothly while optimising document flows.
• Plan integration with partners
  Talk to your main customers and suppliers to prepare for the implementation of the new electronic invoicing circuits.
• Organising team training
  Plan awareness-raising and training sessions to familiarise users with the new tools and changes in their practices.
• Planning electronic archiving
  Ensure that your documents are archived correctly (legal duration, required formats) and are easily accessible.

By following this checklist from 2025 onwards, you are putting all the chances on your side to make a successful transition and benefit fully from the advantages of electronic invoicing.

Why use Azopio to prepare for the transition?

In 2025, choosing the right solution is essential if you are to make a successful transition to electronic invoicing. With Azopio, you benefit from a comprehensive, scalable tool that simplifies the management of your accounting flows and helps you achieve compliance.

Here’s why Azopio is an asset for your preparation:

• Automated workflows
  Azopio enables you to centralise the collection of your supplier and customer invoices, process them automatically and extract the essential data without any manual effort.
• Compliance with reform requirements
  The platform is designed to anticipate regulatory changes and adapt to future electronic invoice formats (Factur-X standard, interoperability with PDPs, etc.).
• Compatibility with your tools
  Azopio integrates easily with your accounting software or your chartered accountant, without affecting your existing processes.
• Secure archiving
  Your documents are archived in accordance with legal requirements, in a secure personal space.
• Personalised support
  The Azopio team will be with you every step of the way, listening to your specific needs.

By installing Azopio from 2025 onwards, you can prepare your company effectively for the reform while modernising your day-to-day accounting management.

Conclusion

The year 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to anticipate thereform of electronic invoicing and prepare your company in the best possible conditions.

By following the key steps now:

• analysis of your processes,
• choosing the right tools,
• team training

you’ll ensure a smooth transition and avoid any rush as the 2026 deadline approaches.

With Azopio, you benefit from a scalable, easy-to-implement solution that supports you through this transformation while optimising your day-to-day accounting management.

Ready to anticipate the transition to electronic invoicing?

Find out how Azopio can help you today. Request a free demo or try Azopio online