France Reports 20 Million E-Invoices as Businesses Highlight Automation Difficulties

France has reported more than 20 million invoices exchanged, representing over €70 billion in invoice value, following its 1 September e-invoicing rollout. By 4 October, 75% of businesses declaring VAT had designated a receiving platform.

The figures were presented at the first monitoring committee meeting on 8 October. Alongside the progress, large businesses reported interoperability difficulties between some solutions and problems transmitting invoice statuses, which can disrupt automated processing.

Business organisations also raised concerns about platform costs, the clarity of service offerings, choosing or switching providers, and adapting software and invoicing processes.

An updated start-up guide will be published within two weeks of the meeting to address questions arising since go-live. Minister David Amiel reiterated that no sanctions would be imposed on businesses during 2026.

Attention is now turning to 1 September 2027, when SMEs and micro-enterprises must begin issuing electronic invoices and e-reporting will expand. Business representatives called for early preparation, drawing on this year’s experience and providing targeted support for less digitally equipped businesses.

Source: French Ministry press release, 9 October 2026