France's 2026 Finance Law introduces several VAT changes, including extending the 5.5% reduced rate to refrigeration energy and air transport in overseas departments, proroguing the 10% forestry rate until 2028, and tightening e‑invoicing sanctions. It also mandates electronic invoice reception for all VAT‑registered entities from 1 September 2026 and replaces the CGI with the new CIBS code for VAT from the same date.
From 21 February 2026, the VAT exemption on transport of goods and passengers in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion extends to air transport.
From 21 February 2026, the reduced VAT rate of 5.5% applies to delivery of refrigeration energy distributed by networks.
From 1 September 2026, all VAT‑registered entities in France must receive electronic invoices.
A fine of €500 applies after 3 months of non‑compliance, followed by €1,000 every 3 months thereafter.
The 10% reduced VAT rate on forestry works is prorogued until 31 December 2028.
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e-Invoice.app · 14 days ago
France has rolled out a comprehensive e‑invoicing and e‑reporting regime that applies to all VAT‑registered businesses. Large and intermediate enterprises must send and receive structured e‑invoices from September 2026, with the sending obligation extended to all businesses by September 2027. The system requires real‑time reporting via Approved Platforms and imposes penalties of up to €15,000 per year for non‑compliance.
Républik IT · 14 days ago
The article reports that SAP’s newly approved Platform Agreed (PA) meets French e‑invoicing requirements, but users remain concerned about integration and fixed deadlines. It notes that the reform is already in place in Italy and Mexico and will be extended across the EU in the coming years, with full implementation in France scheduled for 2026.
News By Wire · 22 days ago
French VAT reforms introduced on 1 January 2026 now require UK exporters using DDP into France to hold a French VAT number or have an EU-based importer of record. The changes tighten conditions for DDP movements and increase operational and reporting burdens, prompting exporters to reassess provider capabilities. The reforms aim to strengthen compliance and competitive advantage for logistics operators.
VATCalc · 22 days ago
VATCalc explains how France’s 2026 reforms are tightening access to Article 143 import VAT relief, requiring non‑EU importers to hold a French VAT registration or an accredited fiscal representative. The EU exemption remains unchanged, but enforcement across the EU is becoming stricter, with the European Court of Auditors pointing out weaknesses in Procedure 42. Businesses must adapt supply chains or adopt technology to meet the new compliance thresholds.
KPMG · 23 days ago
France has introduced a temporary €2 small parcel tax on low‑value imports effective March 1 2026. The tax applies to parcels below €150, is levied per item at the time of import, and will remain in force until the EU‑wide parcel tax takes effect in November 2026, but no later than December 31 2026. The liable party is the person responsible for import VAT on the H7 declaration, covering IOSS users, French VAT registrants, and others.
Bloomberg Tax · 23 days ago
The French Administrative Court of Appeal of Paris issued Decision No. 25PA00785 on Feb. 4, 2026, clarifying that the ordinary law procedure for VAT refunds for taxable persons outside the EU does not apply when the taxpayer did not carry out transactions during the period. The UK company’s claim for an import VAT credit was partially denied by the Court of Montreuil and upheld by the Court of Appeal.
