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The Commission Expert Group on e-invoicing published an interim report which sets out a vision for a European Electronic Invoicing (EEI) Framework to be developed by the end of 2009. It outlines a number of initial recommendations to remove or reduce existing barriers.
The Expert Group intends to draft a code of practice for the guidance of trading parties, their service providers and tax authorities and to develop a network model which supports inter-operability, choice of services, and European reach for the exchange of invoices.
Key priorities for the Expert Group in 2009 are to promote the communication of the benefits and clarify the requirements, to support legal harmonisation, encourage inter-operability and promote standardisation. A major barrier to adoption is the commitment of senior enterprise managements and the creation for them of a convincing business case.
The recommendations for the content of the European e-Invoicing Framework are:
Ø The Framework will be primarily a set of actionable recommendations and proposals, for which the support of others will be sought.
Ø It will be organised as a series of layers or pillars that need to be addressed and which all interrelate on a coherent basis.
Ø It will not itself be a Scheme or contractual framework for others to formally adhere to
Ø It will include the elements identified and set out below:
· Definition and scope of the e-Invoicing Framework
· An overall conceptual structure or vision
· Business requirements for all market segments
· Standards recommendations
· The proposed network model, including the proposal for a framework for interoperability.
· Legal and regulatory proposals
· Recommendations for a communications plan.
· Set out a Road-map for implementation
· Glossary of terms
· Others to be defined
Deadline for comments on the interim report is 13 March 2009.