France has released Version 3.1 of the External Specifications that define the technical foundation of the 2026 e-invoicing mandate. This update builds on earlier documentation and integrates all developments since Version 3.0, published in December 2024. It provides businesses and solution providers with a complete view of the formats and exchange mechanisms required for compliant B2B invoicing.
The new specifications again confirm the dual role of the Public Invoicing Portal (PPF) and Chorus Pro. As explained in our previous updates, including France confirms Chorus Pro for public e-invoicing and France advances toward 2026 e-invoicing rollout, Chorus Pro remains the mandatory channel for public sector invoicing, while the PPF becomes the central data hub for regulatory controls, data collection and directory services. The specifications also elaborate on the PPF’s operational services, covering declaration, transaction monitoring, processing and payment data.
Version 3.1 is the reference point for the mandate’s launch on 1 September 2026. It sets the formats, technical expectations and interaction models that VAT-registered companies, platforms and ERP providers must be ready to support.
AFNOR releases new XP Z12 standards for the French mandate
Alongside Version 3.1, the DGFiP and AFNOR have published three new XP Z12 standards. These documents give companies and platform providers practical guidance for implementation. They also respond to many questions that emerged during earlier technical discussions, some of which we outlined in our blog on France updates Z12-012 and Z12-014 e-invoicing standards.
XP Z12-012
This standard defines the semantic data model and syntax for all formats used in the reform, covering UBL, CII, Factur-X, XML e-reporting, CDAR statuses and all related codelists and business rules. It serves as a common reference for structuring every invoice or reporting message transmitted through the PPF or via Accredited Platforms.
XP Z12-013
This publication describes a recommended API for communication between private businesses, non-certified providers (referred to as “Compatible Solutions”) and Accredited Platforms. It aims to reduce variability between solutions and simplify transition or replacement scenarios.
XP Z12-014
This document is a complete usage guide, illustrating the nominal e-invoicing workflow and more than forty use cases. It includes newly identified business situations that companies and software vendors must handle, expanding on the earlier scenarios referenced in France prepares final steps toward 2026 e-invoicing mandate.
Together, these standards help clarify the complexities of the reform. They give businesses a clearer path toward compliance and support platform providers in aligning their systems with French requirements.
A combined framework moving France toward 2026
With Version 3.1 and the AFNOR XP Z12 standards, France has taken another major step toward a unified e-invoicing ecosystem. The documents define what must be exchanged, how it must be structured, and which channels are authorised for sending and receiving invoices. They also offer practical guidance on handling exceptions and less common workflows.
For companies operating in France, these updates provide the most complete picture so far of the requirements for September 2026. The coming months will focus on implementation, testing and validation across the PPF, Accredited Platforms and Compatible Solutions.
