Electronic invoicing 2026: what the artisan needs to know
Electronic invoicing (facturation électronique) is becoming progressively mandatory between businesses in France. For a building-trade artisan, the question is not if but when — and above all how to be ready without spending your evenings on it. This guide sets it out clearly: the timeline, who is affected, what you have to do, and a checklist to start with peace of mind.
⚠️ The reform timeline has already changed in the past. Always check the dates on the official site impots.gouv.fr before making any decision.
What is an electronic invoice?
It is not simply a PDF sent by e-mail. An electronic invoice is a document in a structured format (readable by software), issued and transmitted via an approved platform. The reference formats include Factur-X (a PDF that also contains structured data), UBL and CII.
The State's objective: to combat VAT fraud, simplify declarations and reduce payment times.
The timeline (2026-2027 reform)
| Deadline | What becomes mandatory |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2026 | All businesses must be able to receive electronic invoices. Large companies and mid-cap companies (ETI) must also start to issue them. |
| 1 September 2027 | Very small businesses (TPE) and SMEs (most artisans) must in turn issue their invoices in electronic format. |
In plain terms for an artisan (TPE): you must be able to receive an electronic invoice from September 2026, and issue your own from September 2027.
Who is affected — and for which invoices?
- The obligation covers business-to-business (B2B) transactions between businesses established in France.
- For your private (B2C) clients, you do not issue an electronic invoice in the same sense, but an e-reporting obligation (transmission of transaction data) applies.
- Public procurement (B2G) already goes through Chorus Pro: if you work for a local authority, you already know the principle.
The role of platforms (PDP)
Invoices will pass through approved Partner Dematerialisation Platforms (Plateformes de Dématérialisation Partenaires, PDP), which handle the issuing, receiving and transmission of data to the tax authorities. In practice, your quote-and-invoice software connects to a platform — you don't have to manage the mechanics yourself.
What you have to do — the checklist
- Check your situation: VAT scheme, types of clients (business / private / public).
- Make sure you can receive an electronic invoice before September 2026.
- Choose a tool capable of issuing in Factur-X format and connecting to an approved platform.
- Update your data (SIRET, VAT, contact details) — it must be accurate and complete.
- Test issuing/receiving over a full cycle (quote → invoice → payment collection).
- Keep an eye on the official timeline (the dates may change).
Should you worry about it? No, if your tool is ready
The good news: if you use software that is already compliant, the transition is almost seamless. Zoplee generates your quotes and invoices in Factur-X format and handles compliance (mandatory mentions, VAT, Chorus Pro for the public sector) — you carry on working as usual, and the tool takes care of the rest.
👉 Try it for free — compliant quotes and invoices, the same day.
FAQ
Is a PDF sent by e-mail enough? No. In time, the invoice will have to be in a structured format (e.g. Factur-X) and pass through an approved platform.
I only invoice private individuals — am I affected? You are not affected by B2B issuing, but an e-reporting obligation applies to your B2C transactions. Better to have a tool that handles both.
What happens if I'm not ready? You risk no longer being able to invoice your business clients compliantly, with penalties to follow. Hence the value of anticipating.
Do I have to buy expensive software? No. A compliant quote-and-invoice tool is enough; it connects to an approved platform for you.
Related articles (coming soon): How to write a construction quote · Mandatory mentions · Construction VAT · Auto-entrepreneur in construction.