Electronic invoicing: a consultation from the European Commission

The European Commission decided on 31 October 2007 to create an Expert Group on electronic invoicing. Their mission is to

• Identify shortcomings in current regulatory framework
• Define e-Invoicing business requirements
• Address relevant e-invoicing data elements (and links)
• Propose responsibilities for standardisation bodies and time schedule
• Propose a European e-Invoicing Framework - a common conceptual structure

Isabel SA/NV has been selected as one of the 33 permanant experts to share her experience of secured business and banking transactions for the SME market. Isabel’s objective was to counter balance the pressure from large corporates and to keep the focus on pragmatic business solutions benefiting all companies.

The Expert group delivered a European Electronic Invoicing (EEI) Framework and Codes of Practices.

The key recommandations of the Expert Group

1. Meet the needs of SMEs as a priority focus.
2. Harmonise and clarify the legal and VAT framework based on equal treatment of paper and electronic invoices.
3. Maximise interoperability and reach.
4. All actors to adopt a common invoice standard and data model UN/CEFACT v.2.
5. Establish an organisational process for implementation of the EEIF.
6. Widely promote and communicate the benefits.
   
   

Download the full report (pdf file)

Market consultation: give your opinion before 25 February, 2010

The European Commission decided to launch a market consultation to capture all stakeholders’ feedback. You are invited to read the executive review of the recommendations and to submit your remarks and suggestions before 25 February, 2010.

• Download the executive review of the recommandations (pdf file)
• Participate to the consultation
  

Isabel SA/NV will collect all suggestions and deliver them to the European Commission.