The OpenPeppol Managing Committee has recently approved key decisions that mark significant progress for France’s integration into the Peppol Network. With structured steps and a defined timeline, OpenPeppol is poised to act as the Peppol Authority for France, ensuring compliance, interoperability, and alignment with national requirements.
Key Decisions Driving Progress
1. Internal Regulations Part II Approved
The OpenPeppol Managing Committee has officially approved the Internal Regulations Part II – Use of the Peppol Network v3.0.0 for publication. This update sets a clear foundation for governing the use of the Peppol Network, ensuring standardized operations across member states and stakeholders.
2. France Going Live – January 1st, 2025
A major milestone is on the horizon: OpenPeppol will act as the Peppol Authority for France in the following domains:
- Post Award Services
- Addressing and Capability Lookup
This interim role, effective January 1st, 2025, is a temporary yet critical measure while the French government moves towards establishing its own permanent Peppol Authority.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the following measures have been defined:
- Change Management Board: OpenPeppol’s Operating Office will establish a Change Management Board to maintain French specifications and address national requirements.
- French Service Provider Forum: The Operating Office will oversee the proceedings of a dedicated forum, ensuring collaboration and alignment among French Service Providers.
- Compliance and Obligations: OpenPeppol will fulfill all obligations typically assumed by a Peppol Authority under the PA Agreement, following the Internal Regulations Part II – Use of the Peppol Network.
These steps will ensure that the Peppol Network operates seamlessly within the framework of French legislative and technical requirements.
3. Strengthening Security Measures
The Security Committee has introduced a mandatory Information Security Survey for all Service Provider Members. This initiative aims to assess the business implications of mandating ISO/IEC 27001 certification (or equivalent) for Service Providers. By strengthening security standards, OpenPeppol ensures resilience and trust within the ecosystem.
The Journey So Far: France’s Peppol Integration
France’s adoption of the Peppol Network began with a Proof of Concept (PoC) in 2022. The goal was to create an interoperability environment enabling communication between Service Providers authorized by the French government.
Key outcomes from the PoC include:
- Development of an Enterprise and Solution Architecture aligned with French legislation.
- Active participation from the French National Forum for eInvoicing (FNFE), reflecting the community’s commitment to move forward into production.
However, the French government has yet to establish a formal Peppol Authority. To bridge this gap, OpenPeppol has been mandated to act as an interim Peppol Authority for France, ensuring continuity and compliance.
Recent Developments: Steps Toward a Permanent Peppol Authority
Encouraging signs have emerged that the French government is advancing towards establishing a formal Peppol Authority.
- DGFIP (the French Tax Administration) made an important announcement during the FNFE plenary on December 13th.
- A first meeting with DGFIP is scheduled for January 9th, 2025, to outline the requirements for a French Peppol Authority and initiate the onboarding process.
Should these developments materialize, OpenPeppol will continue acting as an interim Peppol Authority for a limited period. During this time, costs will remain manageable, with potential fee surcharges to French Service Providers being carefully considered.
A Structured Path Forward: MC191 Decision Proposal
To solidify the roadmap for France’s Peppol integration, the OpenPeppol Managing Committee has proposed the following:
- Interim Role of OpenPeppol
OpenPeppol shall serve as the Peppol Authority for France starting January 1st, 2025, until the French government establishes its permanent authority. - Change Management and Oversight
- A Change Management Board will oversee the maintenance of French specifications and requirements, with input from French stakeholders.
- A French Service Provider Forum will ensure cooperation with FNFE and address community needs.
- Compliance Assurance
OpenPeppol will fulfill all obligations outlined under the PA Agreement, in line with the Internal Regulations Part II – Use of the Peppol Network.
Ensuring Interoperability and Compliance
France’s journey towards Peppol adoption reflects a significant step in Europe’s digital transformation agenda. By acting as the interim Peppol Authority, OpenPeppol will ensure that:
- French businesses benefit from seamless, interoperable e-Invoicing solutions.
- National requirements are met through collaboration with local stakeholders.
- The French government has sufficient time to establish a permanent Peppol Authority.
This development highlights the growing importance of the Peppol Network as a cornerstone for cross-border e-Invoicing and digital procurement. OpenPeppol’s structured approach and commitment to compliance will play a pivotal role in shaping France’s digital future.
Stay Updated
As we move closer to January 2025, OpenPeppol remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Service Providers in France. Stay tuned for more updates on the onboarding process and future developments!
