There has been speculation in recent weeks about whether France’s mandatory e-Invoicing deadline would be pushed back following a cyberattack on the DGFiP, France’s Public Finances Directorate. The French government has now responded directly, and the answer is unambiguous: no postponement.
David Amiel, Minister for Public Action and Public Accounts, together with the DGFiP and the AIFE, convened all Approved Platforms to reaffirm the direction of the reform and the security measures underpinning it. Here is what was confirmed.
No postponement: The September 1 go-live date remains unchanged and has the support of professional organisations. The cyberattack on the DGFiP, which was entirely unrelated to the e-Invoicing reform, does not alter the timeline.
Adoption is progressing: 58% of core target companies have already selected their Approved Platform. The direction of travel is clear.
No penalties before the end of 2026: A pragmatic and educational approach will be adopted for the initial period, with a focus on supporting businesses through the transition. This is not permission to delay. It is support for businesses that are genuinely trying to comply.
A distributed and secure architecture: Approximately 150 Approved Platforms will operate within a decentralised model, with no single centralised system. That is a deliberate design decision, not a vulnerability.
Cybersecurity requirements are already stringent: Strong authentication, certifications, GDPR compliance, SecNumCloud hosting, and full traceability are already mandatory for every Approved Platform operating within the French framework. The system is already more secure than email or paper-based invoice processes when it comes to preventing fraud.
Enhanced measures from September: From September, additional controls will be introduced: widespread penetration testing, end-to-end security testing across senders, compatible solutions, platforms and recipients, and coordinated crisis management among all stakeholders. The framework is being strengthened, not weakened.
The message from the French authorities is straightforward: September 1 is happening, the security framework is robust, and businesses that are not yet ready need to act now. The no-penalty period through the end of 2026 exists to support genuine compliance efforts, not to create breathing room for businesses that have not started.
If your business has French operations and has not yet confirmed its receiving capability or connected to an Approved Platform, the window is narrow and closing.
eezi by VAT IT is officially accredited as an Approved Platform by the French government and fully embraces the security framework confirmed at this week’s meeting. Our commitment to secure data exchanges and transparency for our customers is ongoing.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your France e-Invoicing position, or visit our France e-Invoicing country guide for the full picture.
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