Skip to content
TrueCommerce
TrueCommerce delivers an efficient e-invoicing solution that streamlines financial processes, ensures compliance with European regulations, and integrates smoothly with existing ERP systems to enhance accuracy and reduce errors.

E-Rechnungsgipfel 2024: countdown to B2B e-Invoicing in Germany

/‎

/‎

/‎

Taking stock of progress to date, the German e-Invoicing community gathered in Berlin for their traditional e-Rechnungsgipfel on June 10/11, 2024, with many discussions revolving around the upcoming B2B e-invoicing mandate.

General sentiment among the many participants of the eRechnungsgipfel (“E-Invoicing Summit”) focused on the short remaining time until 1.1.2025 when the obligation to use electronic, structured invoices starts, leaving only transition periods for certain aspects until full scope takes effect on 1.1.2028.

Huge gaps of awareness among SMEs and tax accountants

The most prominent conclusion is that general knowledge about the new regulations is quite low outside of the “bubble” of the e-Invoicing community and larger corporations. This is particularly true in the more than 3 million small and medium businesses as became evident in preliminary results of a scientific survey (still open to answers) conducted by Quirin Jackl and Annalina Landsberg from University in Erlangen-Nürnberg.

A bit more surprising though are the gaps also found in the tax accounting community as evidenced in informal anecdotes shared on stage and in conversations. There clearly is a lot of work left for the associations to spread information and train their members, who play a particularly important role as multipliers with the SMEs.

Preparations for 1.1.2025 in full swing

The upcoming transition period was compared to air traffic: businesses required to accept invoices are in a similar situation as if building runways for future aircraft to land on.

“It’s like building runways preparing for aircraft to arrive”

Alexander Kollmann, Schwarz Gruppe

The runway features are defined by the European Norm 16931 to be used by those aircraft. Those “aircraft” invoices are going to start arriving depending on the implementations on the suppliers’ side anytime up until 1.1.2028

On a practical level, while tempting and in wide-spread use for its simplicity and omni-presence, the deficiencies of using plain E-Mail for invoice delivery were noted, culminating in the clear prediction on open stage:

“E-Mail in the context of e-Invoicing has an expiration date”

Richard Luthard, VeR and DATEV eG

referring to the lack of authenticity, confidentiality as well as the need to address the risk of fraudulent phishing invoices. This combination poses a yet unreached threat level in the business context.

Beyond e-invoicing: consider e-ordering

Raising the eyes beyond immediate implementation, the impact of digitizing the entire process chain was highlighted: current practical experience already indicates that “a structured order is the best prerequisite for a valid electronic invoice” (Mike Hoffmann, Würth)

We are well on our way

In summary, the time is now to start actual implementations. Considering the many contributing factors also from beyond our German borders we’ll need to “watch the tornado” (Marcus Laube, billentis).
Speakers repeatedly noted that collaboration with the public administration and particularly the Ministry of Finance is useful, open and constructive, giving raise to the expectation of a solid and pragmatic transition process.

All in all, “Land is in sight” as depicted in the official artistic rendition of the e-Rechnungsgipfel: the e-Invoicing Platform is the bedrock of the implementation island, from which we set sail towards the interoperable and global solution in the European context!

The complete agenda is still available on the event website. And as announced previously, the next eRechnungsgipfel will take place in Berlin on October 21 & 22, and registration is still ongoing.

Comments

No comment yet, add your voice below!


Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Country Profile

Country regulation overview, resources, technical details, timeline, and more

Get your Project Implemented

Gold Sponsor

TrueCommerce
TrueCommerce offers an innovative e-invoicing solution that transforms financial operations for businesses of all sizes. Our platform allows finance teams to focus on core activities while we are managing electronic invoicing complexities.

By eliminating paper invoices, we enhance efficiency and reduce errors. TrueCommerce ensures compliance with European e-invoicing regulations, facilitating a smooth transition to a digital environment. Integrated with existing ERP systems, our service connects you with customers and suppliers effectively, leading to streamlined processes and significant cost savings.

Experience the benefits of a paperless invoicing system with TrueCommerce and optimize your financial workflows today.

Silver Sponsors

Become a silver sponsor - stacked
Contact us to learn about our sponsorship plans
Read More

Advertisement

Country Profile

Country regulation overview, resources, technical details, timeline, and more

Photo of the Parliament of Germany

German B2B mandate adds exceptions and “simplifications”

A new law permanently exempts small business owners from the B2B mandate to issue electronic invoices. Receiving electronic invoices is still obligatory. Archiving periods for invoices is reduced from 10 to 8 years.

Peppol PINT invoice format becomes the default for B2G in A-NZ

This is the first step before PINT becomes mandatory in May 2025 for all B2G e-invoicing transactions in Australia & New-Zealand.

PDF invoices remain considered “electronic” one more year in Portugal

The recent provision adopted in the 2025 Budget further postpones the mandatory use of a Qualified E-Signature (QES) for B2B invoices in PDF format.

Poland close to finalizing the details of its B2B e-invoicing mandate

The Ministry of Finance is proposing changes to the upcoming B2B mandate based on prior consultations and is starting a final round of discussions.

ViDA package finally adopted by the European Council

A compromise has been reached among all EU member states before the final vote by the Parliament.