B2B e-invoicing in France – SAP Document and Reporting Compliance

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its public procurement practices and streamline invoicing processes, France has introduced a new e-invoicing platform for B2B transactions called Chorus Pro. This platform aims to simplify the invoicing process, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase transparency in the invoicing process. In this blog post, we will discuss what Chorus Pro is, when it becomes mandatory, the invoicing process, and how SAP Document and Reporting Compliance can help businesses comply with the new regulations.

What is Chorus Pro?

Chorus Pro (Public Billing Platform PPF) is a digital platform developed by the French government to facilitate electronic invoicing for B2B transactions. The platform was launched in 2017 and has been gradually rolled out to different sectors and industries since then. The goal of Chorus Pro is to streamline invoicing processes, reduce costs associated with paper-based invoicing, and promote greater transparency in business transactions.

When does E-Invoicing become mandatory?

Chorus Pro has been mandatory for certain industries and public sector organizations since 2017.

However, in July 1st 2024, all taxpayers and issuance of e-invoices and e-reporting for large taxpayers will become mandatory. This means that any business that has transactions with French public sector organizations will be required to use the platform. 

• • July 2024 marks the deadline for the compulsory receipt of e-invoices, which include status updates, for all taxpayers. Additionally, large taxpayers are required to issue e-invoices and submit e-reports via Chorus Pro.
  • Starting from January 2025, medium taxpayers must comply with the mandatory issuance of e-invoices, including status updates, and e-reporting via Chorus Pro.
  • From January 2026, all remaining taxpayers must comply with the mandatory issuance of e-invoices, including status updates, and e-reporting via Chorus Pro.

How is the e-invoicing process in France??

The invoicing process in France is relatively straightforward. Businesses must create an account on the platform and provide their business information, including their SIRET number (the French business registration number) and bank account details. Once the account is set up, businesses can start creating and sending invoices.

Invoices on the government portal (PPF) can be created manually, or they can be generated automatically from accounting or invoicing software. When an invoice is sent, the recipient will receive a notification that the invoice is available on Chorus Pro. The recipient can then view, accept, or reject the invoice, and payment can be made directly through the platform.

How can SAP Document and Reporting Compliance help businesses comply with the new regulations?

SAP Document and Reporting Compliance is a software solution that can help businesses comply with the new regulations surrounding e-invoicing in France and other countries. The solution is designed to help businesses manage their compliance with tax and financial regulations by automating key processes and providing real-time visibility into financial data.

Some of the key features of SAP Document and Reporting Compliance that can help businesses comply with French regulations include:

• • Automated e-invoicing: SAP Document and Reporting Compliance can automatically generate and send invoices through PPF, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
  • Real-time visibility: The solution provides real-time visibility into financial data, allowing businesses to quickly identify and address any issues or discrepancies.
  • Compliance reporting: SAP Document and Reporting Compliance provides compliance reporting tools that can help businesses comply with French regulations.
  • Audit trail: The solution provides an audit trail of all financial transactions, ensuring that businesses can easily track and document their compliance with French regulations.