How to be compliant with global e-invoicing

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Uncategorized @eur

In this article, we will explore which countries are leading this charge, how e-invoicing aids in compliance for both in-land and cross-border transactions, and the significant benefits it brings to complex supply chains.

Which European countries will mandate e-invoicing for B2B transactions in 2025 and 2026?

E-invoicing regulations are rapidly evolving across Europe, with several countries introducing mandatory electronic invoicing for B2B transactions in the upcoming years. In 2025, countries such as Germany, Latvia, and Greece are set to mandate e-invoicing for B2B transactions. In 2026, other European nations are expected to follow suit, including France, Poland, Croatia and Belgium. Staying updated on these regulations is crucial for businesses operating within these regions to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Compliance for organizations in both in-land and cross-border business transactions

Global supply chain has a lot of regulatory complexities. Different countries have varying regulations and standards that businesses must comply with, including trade laws, tariffs, and import/export restrictions. Navigating these regulations requires a deep understanding of each jurisdiction’s legal requirements. While e-invoicing systems cannot resolve every challenge, it can be programmed to ensure that invoices meet the specific regulatory requirements of different countries, including tax laws and invoicing standards.

There are three main components of e-invoicing that governments regulate: the creation of a compliant e-invoice, the exchange of e-invoices through compliant channels, and the compliant archiving of e-invoices. Each country has its own specifications and rules, which sometimes (but not always) overlap. Which e-invoice format is right for you when exchanging invoices with your foreign business partners? How do you organize the exchange of e-invoices between offices of the same company that are located in different countries? Keep in mind that this is a very dynamic industry and regulations are changing rapidly around the world. Do you have trusted resources to keep up with the latest changes? And perhaps one of the most important questions – how can you adapt your processes to e-invoicing with maximum regulatory coverage at optimal cost?

E-invoicing significantly simplifies compliance with both in-land and cross-border transactions. By automating the invoicing process, companies can ensure that their invoices are accurate and adhere to the regulatory requirements of each jurisdiction they operate in. This not only reduces the risk of errors but also ensures that businesses remain compliant with the varying tax laws and invoicing regulations across different countries. E-invoicing facilitates seamless and transparent transactions, which are essential for maintaining good business relationships and avoiding legal complications.

Enhance Even the Most Complex Supply Chain

It is important to remember that e-invoicing is not a legal or accounting domain, but a holistic, streamlined process that helps address issues such as logistical challenges, lack of supply chain visibility, and inefficient cost management. Many supply chain teams are looking to improve the efficiency of the entire chain, and e-invoicing can be the key technology to address a number of business objectives. It plays a critical role in improving the efficiency of these supply chains. By digitizing the invoicing process, companies can achieve faster processing times, reduce manual errors and improve cash flow management. In addition, e-invoicing provides real-time visibility into the status of transactions, enabling companies to manage their supply chains more effectively and respond quickly to disruptions. This digital transformation ensures that supply chains are more resilient, agile, and able to meet the demands of modern commerce.

SPS Commerce as your e-invoicing provider, all around the globe

When it comes to e-invoicing, having a reliable and experienced provider is crucial for ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. SPS Commerce offers comprehensive e-invoicing solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes and industries. With a global presence and expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, SPS Commerce ensures that your invoicing processes are streamlined and compliant with local and international regulations. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics have chosen SPS as their retail network.

Aleksandra Vovchenko
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