France PDP e-Invoicing mandate: PDP Calendar February 2025 update

Get an in-depth look at France’s PDP e-Invoicing compliance mandate, the 2025 PDP calendar, and the advantages of partnering with Tradeshift.

By Ioana Ploesteanu, Product Marketing Manager, Tradeshift

We’ve now entered the third year of France’s PDP clearance mandate rollout plan. With the deadline fast approaching, businesses must keep pace with evolving requirements to maintain smooth and hassle-free compliance.

This article provides a comprehensive update on the latest developments in France’s e-Invoicing clearance mandate and highlights the key milestones for the 2025 PDP calendar.

Beyond compliance, we’ll also explore the strategic advantages of partnering with Tradeshift, a registered Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire (PDP), and share valuable insights to help organisations navigate the complexities of this mandate with confidence.

2024 recap: What were the major developments in France’s e-Invoicing clearance mandate last year?

When we look at 2024 there were three major milestones in the rollout of the B2B e-Invoicing clearance mandate in France:

• PDPs (Plateformes de Dématérialisation Partenaires) receiving registered status: A major milestone was reached on August 19th, 2024, when Tradeshift, along with other e-Invoicing compliance providers, received the PDP (Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire) registered status (PDP immatriculée). This signifies that the French government has vetted our platform, and it was one of the first steps in the PDP certification process. 
• PPF (Portail Public de Facturation) Will not handle invoice clearance: Then, on October 15th, 2024, the DGFIP dropped a bombshell: their PPF platform wouldn’t be developed for e-Invoicing clearance. This means businesses can’t rely on the government’s free option and must partner with a registered PDP like Tradeshift to clear their e-Invoices.
• Interoperability tests with other PDPs: Starting December 2024, Tradeshift successfully conducts PDP interoperability tests with other PDP providers. 

Check out the recap here of last year and predictions for 2025 from our CPTO, Raphael Bres and our Compliance and PDP expert Marcia Guerra.

2025 is the year to act: What are the next steps in the French e-Invoicing clearance mandate?

The deadline is no longer a distant concern. Businesses must treat 2025 as the year to take decisive action and begin their process of selecting a registered PDP.  

The mandate enforcement date that has been set is September 2026.

The process of researching potential solutions, drafting and issuing an RFI, evaluating proposals, making a selection, and then implementing the chosen solution can take significant time. 

If you haven’t started this process we recommend you commence now. 

In the last meeting with the FNFE and the DGFIP, we learned that the following are the expected key milestones for the 2025 – 2026 PDP calendar:

• Beta Testing: Starting February 10th, 2025, the Beta testing period will begin with the PDPs that volunteered to participate. This phase will run until the end of February. The technical documentation required for the implementation of the e-Invoicing clearance mandate is expected to evolve during this period.
• Final PDP Approvals: The French government will finalise approvals for PDPs, ensuring they meet compliance and interoperability standards. In Autumn 2025, tests will be conducted for all registered PDPs seeking final approval. These tests will evaluate the entire PDP solution, not just the connection to the Annuaire. The specifications required to pass these tests will be provided around autumn, but not earlier.
• The Official Pilot consists of two stages:

• In March 2025, all registered PDPs will be required to conduct EDI/API testing as part of the Directory Pilot.
• Between February and August 2026, the Data Concentrator Pilot will take place.

Tradeshift remains on track, having successfully completed interoperability testing with other PDPs (learn more here) and is actively preparing for the French government’s pilot program to which we will participate with our client, Air France, testing real-world implementation.

What are the benefits of using Tradeshift as a PDP partner?

France has been one of our key markets for years. 

Customers including Air France, Le Bon Marché, and Disneyland Paris have trusted us as their e-Invoicing platform, not just for compliance, but for our robust technology, user-friendly interface, and AI-powered workflows that transform complex, time-consuming processes into seamless, efficient operations.

Some of our strongest capabilities include seamless integration with your existing systems, automation to reduce manual work, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your e-Invoices are handled securely and in full compliance.

We were among the first providers to receive PDP-registered status, a testament to the strength and reliability of our technology. 

Our collaboration with French authorities is ongoing, as we actively participate in all FNFE regulatory meetings.

Why choose Tradeshift?

• Trusted by industry leaders: Air France, Le Bon Marché, and Disneyland Paris already rely on Tradeshift for e-Invoicing.
• Proven PDP expertise: We will pilot the PDP compliance solution with Air France when the official program launches.
• Interoperability ready: We’ve successfully completed interoperability testing with other PDPs, ensuring businesses can transact e-Invoices seamlessly across different platforms.
• Certified Peppol access point: A Peppol authority is being established in France, and while other PDPs still need certification, Tradeshift is already certified and ready.

Tradeshift: Your global compliance partner

• Beyond France: Tradeshift offers a comprehensive suite of compliance-as-a-service solutions for businesses operating in 70 countries, including tax clearance and e-Invoicing mandates in 12 countries.
• Continuously expanding: We are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our compliance roadmap is continuously evolving, with new countries and regulations being added regularly.
• Unique solutions: Tradeshift offers unique and innovative solutions, such as cross-zone fapiao e-Invoicing in China, to address the specific needs of businesses operating in complex global markets.

Contact Tradeshift today to schedule a consultation with our experts. 

We can help you assess your specific needs, choose the right solution for your business, and ensure a smooth and successful transition to e-Invoicing compliance.