France has taken another important step towards its mandatory e-Invoicing rollout. Following the confirmation of the original timeline by the French Parliament, the release of the new API standard XP Z12-013 helps businesses prepare for September 2026 by simplifying system integration and data exchange.
Building on a confirmed timeline
In our previous blog, we discussed how the French Parliament confirmed the original e-Invoicing timeline, with the first wave starting in September 2026. Now, AFNOR’s latest publication supports that timeline by giving businesses and service providers a clear technical framework to follow.
Improving interoperability for e-Invoicing
On 27 May 2025, the AFNOR Standardisation Commission published XP Z12-013. This new API interface standard is designed to ensure smoother interoperability between enterprise information systems and Partner Dematerialisation Platforms (PDPs). The goal: to simplify how data is exchanged between taxpayers and certified e-Invoice providers.
Making system integration easier
XP Z12-013 addresses one of the main challenges of the e-Invoicing rollout/technical alignment. Businesses need to ensure their internal systems can connect securely and consistently with certified PDPs. This new standard sets out the necessary interface specifications to support both B2B and B2C transactions.
Who benefits from XP Z12-013
- Businesses simplify their IT integration for e-Invoicing
- Software vendors and PDPs align on a shared interface
- Ensure timely compliance with France’s 2026 rollout
- Reduce technical friction during implementation
Access the standard
XP Z12-013 is publicly available and can be accessed via the AFNOR website. It’s a useful reference for anyone managing digital invoicing systems, whether you’re part of an IT team or leading compliance efforts.
Conclusion
As the first wave of France’s mandatory e-Invoicing draws closer, clear and reliable standards like XP Z12-013 play a key role in helping organisations stay on track. Aligning early means fewer disruptions later, and more confidence as you transition into a new way of invoicing.
