Why the Factur-X format will become essential for electronic invoicing from 2026 onwards

1. Introduction

Electronic invoicing between businesses will gradually become mandatory in France from 2026 , in accordance with the reform initiated by the Directorate General of Public Finances (DGFiP) .

This major transformation is part of a dual objective: to simplify and automate exchanges between economic actors, while securing the collection of VAT .

At the heart of this system: the Factur-X format, a Franco-German standard that combines both human readability and automated processing .

For companies, this is no longer just a regulatory issue, but a real opportunity to modernize their document processes , increase productivity and strengthen the reliability of their financial flows .

2. What is the Factur-X format?

The Factur-X format is a hybrid invoice :

• a portion visible in PDF format , readable by any user,

• and a structured part in XML format , integrated into the PDF, intended for computer systems to automate accounting and tax processing.

Designed jointly by France and Germany , this format meets the European standard EN 16931 , guaranteeing total interoperability between information systems, accounting software and exchange platforms (such as the Public Billing Portal or Partner Dematerialization Platforms – PDP ).

Factur-X is therefore a bridge between the human world and the machine world : a single document that is readable, archiveable and automatically usable .

3. Why this is important for businesses

Regulatory compliance and peace of mind

From 2026 , all businesses will have to be able to issue and receive compliant electronic invoices. The Factur-X format is already recognized as the key format for the French reform.

Adopting it today allows you to anticipate compliance and avoid costly last-minute adjustments.

Operational efficiency and cost reduction

An electronic invoice in Factur-X format can be automatically integrated into ERP or accounting systems: no more manual re-entries, fewer errors, faster validation processes.

Companies are seeing up to 60% time savings in processing and archiving invoices, as well as a significant reduction in administrative costs.

Image and traceability improvement

The adoption of the Factur-X format demonstrates digital maturity and a commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility , through the reduction of paper documents.

4. Why this is important for users, customers and partners

For customers and partners, Factur-X represents the guarantee of a smooth and secure exchange .

Essential information (amount, VAT, identifiers, payment deadlines) is directly integrated into the systems, without ambiguity or loss of information.

It is also a source of trust : the data is authenticated, time-stamped and complies with European tax requirements.

In parallel, the embedded PDF format ensures immediate reading for human users, without the need for a specialized tool.

In other words: Factur-X makes the invoice universally readable and automatically usable , a rare balance in the field of dematerialization.

5. How NAELAN provides concrete help

For over 20 years, NAELAN solutions have supported companies in the management and production of strategic documents : letters, contracts, sales proposals, statements and invoices.

With KSL Suite , NAELAN allows you to:

• Automatically generate invoices in Factur-X format, integrating XML metadata into the PDF;

• Ensure regulatory compliance with EN 16931 standards and DGFiP requirements;

• Automate production and multichannel distribution (Public Portal, PDP, email, customer area);

• Standardize document quality , while facilitating integration with existing systems (ERP, CRM, DMS);

• Ensure traceability and proper archiving of invoices, in accordance with legal obligations.

By centralizing document generation in a single environment, NAELAN simplifies the transition to electronic invoicing while ensuring a smooth and consistent customer experience .

6. Key figures and benchmarks

• 100% of French companies will have to be able to receive electronic invoices from 2026 .

• More than 3 billion invoices are exchanged each year in France between economic actors.

• According to the European Commission, the widespread adoption of electronic invoicing allows for average savings of €6 to €9 per invoice compared to paper format.

• The Factur-X format is already used by several large European administrations and companies, guaranteeing its sustainability and international compatibility.

7. Conclusion

The Factur-X format is much more than a regulatory constraint: it is a strategic opportunity to modernize document management, make exchanges more reliable and reduce costs.

Thanks to its software solutions and expertise in Customer Communication Management (CCM) , Proposal Management and Contract Management , NAELAN supports companies in a smooth, controlled and compliant transition to electronic invoicing.