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The France e-invoicing pilot phase is the next step in a roadmap built through incremental updates. Earlier updates confirmed that Chorus Pro would remain the foundation for public sector invoicing, followed by clarification on how France is advancing toward the 2026 e-invoicing rollout. Subsequent publications focused on the final steps toward the 2026 e-invoicing mandate and the release of updated technical standards for 2026. The pilot phase now translates these policy decisions and specifications into real operational practice.
France e-invoicing pilot phase timeline and scope
The France e-invoicing pilot phase will run from late February 2026 until the end of August 2026. During this six-month window, accredited Partner Platforms (PAs) and selected customers will exchange electronic invoices in live conditions.
Test data will not be permitted in the France e-invoicing pilot phase. All invoices and lifecycle messages must be based on real business transactions, ensuring that the pilot accurately reflects production environments and day-to-day operational realities.
Who can join the France e-invoicing pilot phase
Participation in the France e-invoicing pilot phase is limited to PAs that have successfully completed full end-to-end testing with the Public Portal (PPF). This eligibility requirement aligns with earlier milestones in France’s preparation for the 2026 mandate, where technical readiness and interoperability were positioned as prerequisites.
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Requirements for platforms and businesses in the France e-invoicing pilot phase
Participation in the France e-invoicing pilot phase comes with clear obligations. Each PA must sign a formal charter committing to the pilot rules and must obtain explicit customer consent for both inbound and outbound invoice processing.
In addition, the Central Directory must contain valid electronic addresses. This means participating companies must already be capable of receiving and processing electronic invoices via their chosen platform, even though full mandatory obligations are not yet in force.
France e-invoicing pilot phase data exchange without tax reporting
Although invoices will be exchanged through the PPF during the France e-invoicing pilot phase, no invoice data will be transmitted to the tax authority. This separation allows platforms and businesses to validate technical flows, data exchange, and lifecycle messaging without triggering reporting or enforcement obligations.
This approach is consistent with France’s phased implementation strategy, which has repeatedly focused on reducing risk and giving market participants time to adapt before legal obligations apply. For official context from the administration, see the French tax authority portal.
Technical standards used in the France e-invoicing pilot phase
From a technical standpoint, the France e-invoicing pilot phase will initially follow version 3.0 of the external specifications published in December 2024. From June 2026 onward, the pilot will transition to version 3.1, released in November 2025.
Invoice formats and lifecycle status exchanges will follow AFNOR standards XP Z12-012 and XP Z12-014. Version 1.1 of these standards applies during the early phase of the France e-invoicing pilot phase, with version 1.2 becoming applicable from June 2026. For background on AFNOR, see AFNOR’s website.
Simplifications included in the France e-invoicing pilot phase
The France e-invoicing pilot phase specifications also reflect regulatory simplifications announced by the French government in August 2025. These include making the number of transactions in e-reporting transmissions optional and removing the requirement to reference previous transmissions in e-reporting flows.
These measures reduce technical complexity for participating platforms and align with the updated standards previously released for the 2026 rollout.
Why the France e-invoicing pilot phase matters for businesses
Strategically, the France e-invoicing pilot phase confirms France’s intention to de-risk the transition to mandatory e-invoicing. By allowing six months of live testing with real data before legal obligations apply, the authorities aim to identify and resolve operational challenges early.
For businesses preparing for compliance, the France e-invoicing pilot phase offers early insight into practical requirements. It also highlights the importance of selecting a platform that is technically ready and actively engaged in the French e-invoicing ecosystem.
