E-Invoice Regulation Guide

What is E-Invoicing?

E-Invoicing (electronic invoicing) is the digital exchange of invoice documents between suppliers and buyers. Many countries now require businesses to issue electronic invoices after selling goods or services, particularly for e-commerce transactions.

Why Understanding E-Invoice Regulations Matters

E-Invoice regulations help you:

• Maintain legal compliance in your target markets

• Avoid penalties and business disruptions

• Streamline your financial processes

• Reduce paper waste and operational costs

• Build trust with customers and tax authorities

E-Invoice Requirements by Region

Europe

Italy

• Status: Mandatory since 2019

• Who must comply: All businesses (B2B & B2C)

• Key requirements:

  • Must use government SDI platform

  • Digital storage for 10+ years

  • Specific XML format required

France

• Status: Mandatory (phased implementation)

• Who must comply: B2B initially

• Timeline:

  • July 2024: Large businesses must receive e-invoices

  • January 2025: Large businesses must issue e-invoices

  • January 2026: All businesses must comply fully

Germany

• Status: Mandatory (phased implementation)

• Who must comply: B2B transactions

• Timeline:

  • January 2025: All businesses must accept e-invoices

  • January 2028: All businesses must issue e-invoices

Belgium

• Status: Mandatory from January 2026

• Who must comply: B2B transactions

Poland

• Status: Mandatory from July 2024

• Who must comply: B2B transactions

Latin America

Brazil

• Status: Mandatory since 2005

• Who must comply: All businesses

• Key requirements:

  • Real-time tax authority authorization needed

  • XML format with digital signatures

  • Government-validated before being legally valid

Mexico

• Status: Mandatory since 2012

• Who must comply: All businesses

• Key requirements:

  • Must use authorized service providers

  • QR codes required on invoices

  • Real-time validation system

Chile

• Status: Mandatory since 2001

• Who must comply: All businesses

Asia

India

• Status: Mandatory (threshold-based) since 2020

• Who must comply: Businesses with turnover above INR 5 crore (~$600,000)

• Key requirements:

  • Must register with Invoice Registration Portal

  • Unique Invoice Reference Number required

  • Phased implementation expanding over time

South Korea

• Status: Mandatory since 2011

• Who must comply: All businesses

• Key requirements:

  • National Tax Service portal reporting

  • Specific formatting standards

Thailand

• Status: Voluntary (encouraged)

• Who must comply: Not mandatory yet

Indonesia

• Status: Mandatory

• Who must comply: All businesses

• Key requirements:

  • e-Faktur system implementation

Middle East

Saudi Arabia

• Status: Mandatory

• Who must comply: All VAT-registered businesses

• Timeline:

  • Phase 1 (2021): Generate and store e-invoices

  • Phase 2 (2023): Integrate with tax authority systems

• Key requirements:

  • QR codes required for B2C transactions

Egypt

• Status: Mandatory (phased)

• Who must comply: Large taxpayers initially

• Timeline: From June 2023

Benefits of Compliance

• Avoid Penalties: Many countries impose significant fines for non-compliance

• Faster Payments: E-invoices are typically processed and paid more quickly

• Reduced Costs: Save on printing, postage, and manual processing

• Improved Accuracy: Fewer errors compared to manual invoicing

• Better Record-Keeping: Easier access to transaction history

• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in paper usage

• Enhanced Customer Experience: Professional, consistent invoicing

• Simplified Audits: More accessible documentation for tax authorities

How AG: Order Printer, PDF Invoice Helps

If you haven't installed our app yet, you can get it here

AVADA Order Printer, PDF Invoice simplifies e-invoice compliance for Shopify merchants. The app allows you to create, customize, and send professional invoices that meet regulatory requirements across multiple countries. Merchants can print invoices directly from their Shopify admin, download invoice PDFs for record-keeping, or enable customers to download their own invoices from your store. With built-in templates and regular updates to stay current with changing regulations, AVADA Order Printer helps you maintain compliance while saving time.