European Commission e-Invoicing expert group report

The European Commission has published the report of the expert group on e-Invoicing.

The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) has just approved the Cross Industry Invoice (CII) Version 2

UN/CEFACT has approved and released the next version of the cross industry invoice standard, details and links are here …

The European Commission still has e-Invoicing high on the agenda

The European Commission issued a further press release confirming their commitment to easing the ‘red tape’ burdens on industry and highlights the new VAT proposals with regard to electronic invoicing.

European legislation regarding e-Invoicing and the EC e-Invoicing Expert Group

In 2008 the European Commission established the Expert Group for e-Invoicing. This group was established with the purpose of extending the use of e-Invoicing in Europe.

The expert group has acknowledged that the legal environment is difficult, there are different and complex rules and regulations surrounding e-Invoicing and these rules vary from country to country. In particular, the legislation is difficult for SME’s. Most (but not all of these rules) are associated with VAT (Value Added Tax). The Expert Group is working closely with the Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General (TAXUD) and earlier this year a proposal was made to amend the European VAT legislation, with certain proposed changes relative to e-Invoicing.