France’s administration has finalized preparations for the mandatory B2B e‑invoicing and B2C e‑reporting regime that will take effect on 1 September 2026. A voluntary pilot began on 23 February 2026, involving 139 approved platforms and nearly 600 000 companies, with key milestones scheduled through February and a national communication campaign in March.

France will transfer all VAT provisions from the General Tax Code into a new consolidated framework, the Code de l’imposition sur les biens et services (CIBS), effective 1 September 2026. The reform modernises the legislative structure, codifies EU measures such as the ViDA package and IOSS, and allows a transition period until 31 December 2027. E‑invoicing rules remain outside the CIBS for the time being.

France's DGFiP has released the first official list of definitively certified Approved Platforms for e‑invoicing, with just over 100 platforms now certified. The list will be updated as platforms complete audits, and the mandatory e‑invoicing go‑live is set for 1 September 2026, following a pilot phase in February 2026. Companies must use an Approved Platform and submit an audit report within a year of certification to maintain a renewable three‑year period.

France will terminate the one‑off fiscal representation route for Customs Procedure 42 on 1 January 2026, requiring non‑EU sellers to register for French VAT in their own name and file ongoing returns. The change removes the simplified “France‑as‑gateway” model and forces operators to adopt a formal French VAT footprint or reroute through other EU members.

On 15 January 2026 France and Germany will roll out updated hybrid e‑invoicing standards—Factur‑X 1.0.8 in France and ZUGFeRD 2.4 in Germany—aligned with the EU EN 16931 framework and the French AFNOR XP Z12‑012 standard. The update adds support for complex invoice structures, a newer UN/CEFACT CII release, clearer rounding tolerance rules, and updated documentation. Businesses invoicing in either country should verify ERP compatibility and adjust tax logic to meet the new tolerances.

France has proposed raising its VAT registration thresholds for goods, services, legal services, and non‑profit organisations, but the changes are currently on hold pending budget approval. The new thresholds would be €93,500 for goods and accommodation services, €41,250 for services, €55,000 for legal services, and €80,011 for non‑profit organisations, with an EU‑wide scheme offering a €100,000 pan‑Europe threshold for small businesses.

This guide outlines France’s VAT framework, including standard and reduced rates, registration thresholds, and upcoming e‑invoicing requirements. It also details compliance obligations for non‑resident businesses, digital services, and import VAT deferment schemes.

France confirmed its phased B2B e-invoicing rollout starting September 2026 for large enterprises, with full mandate for all businesses by September 2027. Factur-X is one of three mandatory formats.