As part of the electronic invoicing reform, the French Public Finance Directorate (DGFiP) has a clear objective: to modernize and harmonize the exchange of invoices between companies, while strengthening tax controls and the fight against VAT fraud. This structural reform is accompanied by the implementation of technical governance, in which the AFNOR "Electronic Invoicing" commission plays a key role. Decided at the end of last year by the DGFiP and the AIFE (the French State Financial IT Agency), the commission aims to ensure interoperability between platforms and harmonize national standards with European standards.
Docoon, a leading publisher of digital trust and dematerialization solutions in France, officially included in thethe list of the first Partner Digitization Platforms (PDP) registered under reserve (number #0019), is actively participating in the Commission's technical work, notably by leading a working group.
A major reform led by the DGFiP
Scheduled to come into effect gradually from 2026, the reform makes it mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses to issue and receive invoices in electronic format. To achieve this, the tax authorities are relying on an architecture consisting of registered platforms—Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDPs)—that will handle the electronic exchange of invoices. Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDPs) – and a Public Invoicing Portal (PPF).
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However, to ensure that this ecosystem is based on reliable, interoperable, and recognized standards, the DGFiP has entrusted AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) with coordinating the development of technical specifications within a dedicated commission.
The AFNOR commission: ensuring shared standards
Created specifically to support the reform, the AFNOR standardization commission on "Dematerialization of electronic invoices" brings together a wide range of stakeholders: software publishers, user companies, public bodies, technical experts, and representatives of the tax authorities.
Its main objectives:
- Define a common data core for electronic invoices (inspired by the European EN 16931 model);
- Establish standardized exchange formats (including XML, UBL, and Factur-X);
- Ensure compatibility between the systems of the various players in the ecosystem
- Anticipate upcoming technical and regulatory changes.
A collaborative approach serving the public interest
The strength of the AFNOR commission lies in its collaborative working method. Decisions are made by consensus, taking into account both the operational constraints of businesses and regulatory requirements. This approach makes it possible to build a technical framework that is robust, yet pragmatic and scalable.
By actively participating in this committee, market participants can:
- Anticipate future obligations;
- Contribute to the development of standards;
- Ensure that their solutions are compliant.
Docoon leads the "Interface Standardization" group of the AFNOR commission
Fully committed to the success of a major reform, Docoon, through its Compliance Director Alban GIROUX, is leading AFNOR Group 5, dedicated to the standardization of interfaces (API), which aims to simplify the integration of PDPs into business tools, alongside Christophe VIRY, Marketing & Product Director at Generix Group. dedicated to the standardization of interfaces (API), which aims to simplify the integration of PDPs into business tools.
The challenge is strategic, as it involves developing common interfaces (APIs) and best practices to streamline exchanges between corporate information systems, Dematerialization Operators (DOs), and PDPs.
The challenges of this standardization:
Facilitate the work of DOs and Corporate IT departments
Enable authorized third parties (accountants, factoring companies, solution providers, etc.) to have simplified access to PDP data.
Making migration from one PDP to another simpler and smoother
A framework for successful reform
The establishment of the AFNOR commission is part of a broader commitment to build a robust, secure, and interoperable electronic invoicing ecosystem. Through this body, the DGFiP is laying the foundations for a controlled digital transition that will benefit both businesses and the State.
In this context, the reactivation of the AFNOR "Electronic Invoicing" commission demonstrates the growing awareness of the importance of standardization. As legitimate and natural players in the reform of electronic invoicing, Docoon and its teams are proud to contribute to the development of standards that will help the ecosystem of electronic invoicing players to rely on reliable, interoperable, and recognized standards.
The gradual rollout of the measures proposed by the AFNOR Commission working groups and subsequently approved by the DGFiPwill support businesses until 2026, when the reform comes into effect. In parallel with this work, the 82 PDPs currently accredited are organizing their interconnection with the PPF Directory and the PEPPOL network, under the governance of the administration. These initiatives promise to structure a harmonized ecosystem for the implementation of the reform.
Several publishers recently approved as PDPs by the DGFiP use Docoon Invoice, the Docoon Group's registered PDP solution as a white label. Why not you? Feel free to contact us.
