What Are the Benefits of Electronic Self-Billing?
In this article
- Why switch to electronic self-billing?
- How does electronic self-billing work?
- What are the benefits for your business?
- What stays the same
- Frequently asked questions
Why switch to electronic self-billing?
Electronic invoicing is being gradually introduced in France.
From September 1, 2026, all businesses will be required to be able to receive electronic invoices.
Electronic self-billing simplifies the preparation and transmission of invoices related to services provided.
The principle is simple: your billing information is validated on the platform, as it is today, based in particular on the purchase order (PO) and activity report (AR).
Based on this information, the electronic invoice is prepared on your behalf.
You keep control of the invoice while having very few actions to perform. In most cases, no action is required from you.
How does electronic self-billing work?
The process remains simple and similar to what you are familiar with today.
Step 1: Your billing information is validated
As today, your billing information is validated on the platform, based in particular on the purchase order (PO) and activity report (AR).
Step 2: The electronic invoice is prepared
Based on the validated information, the electronic invoice is prepared on your behalf.
You therefore do not need to prepare the invoice yourself.
Step 3: You keep control of the invoice
You can review the invoice directly on your electronic invoicing platform.
This step is optional.
You can:
- Approve the invoice;
- Reject the invoice if you identify an item that needs to be corrected.
If you reject the invoice, the teams responsible for processing it are automatically notified and will process the request within 48 hours.
In most cases, no action is therefore required from you.
What are the benefits for your business?
Reduce the number of actions you need to take
Electronic self-billing means you do not need to prepare your invoices yourself.
Your billing information is already validated on the platform. The invoice is then prepared on your behalf.
This means less manual data entry for you.
Reduce exchanges and back-and-forth
The process requires fewer exchanges.
You no longer need to:
- prepare your invoice;
- send it;
- wait for it to be checked;
- respond to correction requests;
- reissue an invoice.
You can simply review the invoice on your platform and intervene only when necessary.
Keep control with minimal action
You remain in control of your invoice.
You can review it and, if necessary, approve or reject it directly on your platform.
If you do not identify any issues, no action is required from you.
Identify errors earlier
Errors relating, for example, to references, amounts or service periods can be identified earlier.
If you identify an error, you can reject the invoice directly on your platform.
The information is then automatically sent to the teams responsible for processing it.
Gradually become familiar with electronic invoicing
Self-billing allows you to gradually become familiar with electronic invoicing.
You do not have to build a new process on your own.
You are supported during implementation and receive the information you need to review and, if necessary, approve or reject your invoices.
What stays the same
Electronic self-billing mainly changes how the invoice is prepared, reviewed and transmitted.
It does not change:
- the agreed commercial terms;
- the payment terms set out in the contract.
Your billing information continues to be validated on the platform, as it is today.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prepare my own invoice?
No.
The electronic invoice is prepared on your behalf based on your billing information validated on the platform.
Do I have to approve every invoice?
No.
Reviewing and approving the invoice is optional.
You only need to take action if you want to approve or reject the invoice.
What happens if I reject an invoice?
The teams responsible for processing it are automatically notified and will process the request within 48 hours.
Do I remain in control of my invoices?
Yes.
You can review your invoices and, if necessary, approve or reject them directly on your platform.
Do I need to take action for every invoice?
No.
No action is required from you if you do not need to report an issue.
Does self-billing change my commercial terms?
No.
The agreed commercial terms remain unchanged.
Does self-billing change my payment terms?
No.
The payment terms set out in the contract remain unchanged.
When does receiving electronic invoices become mandatory?
From September 1, 2026, all businesses will be required to be able to receive electronic invoices.