Approved Platform or Compatible Solution: which for electronic invoicing?

Analysis of official documentation, with no testing on a paid account.

Update to 27 September 2026. This guide explains software choices for a business established in France. It covers the functions described by the DGFiP and the Ministry of the Economy. Commercial offers, connections and the list of PA platforms change: check the contractual details and theState of registration published by the administration when you decide.

What is already mandatory in September 2026

Since the 1er September 2026, all companies subject to the relevant VAT, including basic franchise micro-entrepreneurs, must be able to receive electronic invoices. Large and medium-sized enterprises must also Issue their electronic invoices and transmit e-reporting data. The issue and e-reporting SMEs and micro-enterprises are scheduled for September 1er 2027. Even a company that almost never bills must process the reception today. Official timetable and scope.

Electronic invoicing covers transactions between businesses established in France and subject to VAT, subject to the specified exclusions. For sales to an individual or a foreign customer, the invoice follows a different route, and transaction or payment data may fall under e-reporting. Distinguish these flows in your inventory instead of requesting a single “electronic invoice” feature for every customer. For a transaction subject to the obligation, use a structured invoice sent through the prescribed route; a simple PDF sent by email follows a different path.

PA, compatible solution: who does what?

The DGFiP states that an SC must comply with the expected formats and data and be connected to at least one PA. Ask where your invoices will be received and who will handle e-reporting, even if the software is labelled "compatible". Conversely, a PA may provide its own data-entry interface: a small business without specialist software does not necessarily need an additional subscription. DGFiP guide to choosing suitable software.

Three situations to choose without overequiping

1. You issue few invoices and still work with PDF files

Start with receipt: identify suppliers who can already send you an electronic invoice, designate a PA and test reading, downloading and forwarding invoices to your accountant. Ask whether its own interface lets you enter future customer invoices. Then compare this option's actual cost with separate software. A simple interface may be enough if you have neither high volumes, a need for a cash register nor accounting automation. For a micro-enterprise, the 2027 issuance deadline does not postpone the 2026 receipt obligation.

2. You already have a billing software or business tool

Keep your data-entry habits if the vendor demonstrates the connection. Ask for the exact name of the PA and whether it appears in the final list, how you designate it for receiving invoices, which formats and statuses come back into your software, and who handles rejections. A vendor may advertise a partnership while restricting the feature to a specific plan, date or invoice type. Have your case confirmed in writing, including credit notes, deposits and recurring invoices.

3. You have several entities, sales channels or country

Map purchases, French B2B sales, sales to individuals and international transactions separately. Add subsidiaries, establishments and the tools issuing invoices. Ask the provider to describe routing by entity, status tracking, e-reporting data and accounting exports. The per-invoice price may matter less than error handling and synchronisation across systems. Test a representative workflow in each category before rolling it out.

Check a six-step offer

1. Identify the PA's status. The DGFiP page distinguishes between operators who have met all the conditions, including interoperability tests, and those whose final registration is still conditional on these tests. Don't confuse both lists.
2. Name your receiving PA. Ask the supplier of the software that makes the designation, when it becomes effective and where you will read the supplier invoices. If you don't have a PA yet, DGFiP asks to proceed without delay.
3. Draw the path of an invoice. Who creates the invoice, who sends it to the PA, how the client's PA is found, where are rejections and refusals, and who corrects? A demonstration of the creation screen does not prove the complete transmission.
4. Check each stream. French B2B sales, B2C sales, foreign customers, credit notes, payments and supplier imports do not always use the same feature. Ask for the e-reporting data, deadlines and responsible person to be specified.
5. Estimate full cost. Charge for PA, software, volume, storage, support and connection to the Accountant. An entry fee may be insufficient if the receipt or monitoring of the statutes is limited.
6. Get the exit. Require a description of the export of invoices, documents, status and history, as well as the procedure for changing PA. Keep invoice IDs when migrated to avoid double processing.

Example of a supplier invoice test

Imagine a small business receiving a monthly invoice from a telecom provider. Test receipt through the chosen PA, then check four points: the invoice reaches the correct SIREN or establishment; the person approving the purchase can find it; the data and document reach the accountant; and payment and status do not create a second record. Repeat the scenario with a corrected invoice. This test reveals more than a dashboard screenshot alone.

If you also receive the same document by e-mail, bring the number, date, supplier and amounts together before paying. The DGFiP start-up guide recommends keeping a single reference invoice and tracing the duplicate. It states that an invoice received by PDF or paper during the start-up difficulties should not be excluded for this reason alone if the transaction is real and sufficient information; this does not suspend the obligation to enter the electronic circuit. For a concrete blockage, document the incident and the regularization process with the claimant.

And Indy, Tiime, Qonto or Freebe?

These names refer to management interfaces to assess for your organisation, not a list of PA platforms validated by Logicelio. For Indy or Freebe, leave an independent invoice and check receipt, issue and accounting export. For Tiime, have the sharing validated with the firm; Qonto, check the link between invoicing, banking and accounting. In each case, ask for the name and status of the approved platform (PA) used, the features enabled in your plan and the availability date for your account. Logicelio reviews offer comparison leads, not proof of compliance.

Practical decision

If your PA provides straightforward access to receiving and entering a few invoices, start there. If your current software supports an important business task, prioritise continuity after confirming the connection and data flows. If you manage several systems, choose according to routing quality, statuses, e-reporting and exports. In every case, first check which PA is designated to receive invoices now, then test a complete workflow using your own transactions.