Why Your Current Software Probably Won't Be Enough
France's e-invoicing reform isn't just about "going digital." If you're using software that generates PDFs and sends them by email, you're not compliant. The reform requires three specific things: a structured format (Factur-X, UBL, or CII), transmission via a certified platform (PPF or PDP), and the inclusion of new mandatory fields such as the buyer's SIREN number or operation category.
Many legacy accounting software solutions — especially those used by small businesses and freelancers — don't handle these formats and aren't connected to the PPF. Even if your vendor promises an update, it's crucial to verify that the update will cover all requirements: formats, mandatory fields, platform connection, e-reporting, and archiving.
The cost of inaction is tangible: from September 2026, a non-compliant invoice can result in a €15 fine per invoice, capped at €15,000 per year. But the real risk is operational: rejected invoices mean payment delays, client disputes, and accounting gridlock.
A PDF sent by email is NOT an electronic invoice under the reform. Check your tool's compliance now.
The 8 Essential Criteria for Evaluating Software
Here are the eight essential criteria to check before choosing or switching invoicing software.
1. Support for all 3 mandatory formats
Your software must natively handle Factur-X (best suited for SMBs), UBL 2.1 (European standard), and CII (industry standard). Simply generating a PDF is not enough: the file must contain structured XML data compliant with EN 16931.
2. Connection to PPF or a registered PDP
The software must be able to transmit your invoices via the PPF or an officially registered PDP. Verify that your vendor announces an operational connection before September 2026, not just "planned compatibility."
3. B2C and international e-reporting management
If you sell to consumers or abroad, your software must handle e-reporting: transmitting transaction data to the DGFiP. This is a separate obligation from B2B e-invoicing, often overlooked.
4. Automatic mandatory fields
The software must automatically include new mandatory fields: buyer's SIREN, delivery address, operation category (goods, services, mixed), option for VAT on debits, purchase order reference. If you have to enter these manually for each invoice, errors are inevitable.
5. Invoice lifecycle management
Under the reform, each invoice has a status: submitted, received, rejected, accepted, paid. Your client can reject an invoice via the platform, triggering a credit note. Your software must manage these statuses in real time.
6. Compliant legal archiving (10 years)
Evidential archiving for 10 years is a legal obligation. Your software must offer certified archiving with timestamping, encryption, and a complete audit trail. Simple disk storage is not sufficient.
7. Native accounting integration
Good e-invoicing software integrates directly with your accounting: automatic entries, bank reconciliation, matching. Avoid solutions requiring manual exports/imports between invoicing and accounting.
8. Scalability and multi-standard support
If you operate in France and internationally, your software should handle multiple accounting standards (PCG for France, SYSCOHADA for West Africa, IFRS for international). This saves you from juggling multiple tools.
Comparison Grid: The Different Market Options
To help you see clearly, here are the three main categories of solutions available on the French market.
PPF alone (free)
The PPF allows issuing and receiving invoices for free via a web interface. It's suited for very small businesses with low invoicing volume (less than 50 invoices per month). However, it offers no accounting integration, no automatic reconciliation, and no advanced services. You'll have to enter your invoices manually on the portal.
Specialized PDPs (paid)
Players like Chorus Pro, Cegid, Sage, or Pennylane offer PDPs integrated into their ecosystems. The advantage: deep integration with their own software suite. The disadvantage: you're often locked into a closed ecosystem, and costs can escalate quickly with add-on modules.
All-in-one solutions connected to the PPF
This is the approach we recommend for SMBs. A complete management software (invoicing + accounting + treasury) that connects directly to the PPF to transmit your invoices. You benefit from the PPF's free transmission with the comfort of an integrated tool that manages the entire process. CassKai works on this model: native Factur-X generation, PPF connection, integrated e-reporting, and multi-standard accounting in a single interface.
Our SMB recommendation: an all-in-one software connected to the PPF. You combine the free public portal with the comfort of an integrated tool.
The 5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing
1. Trusting the "2026 compliant" label without verifying
Many vendors display 2026 compliance in their marketing without the functionality actually being operational. Ask for a concrete demonstration: generate a Factur-X invoice, transmit it via the PPF, verify the status. If the vendor can't show you this end-to-end workflow, the compliance is theoretical.
2. Forgetting e-reporting
Many solutions focus on B2B e-invoicing and ignore B2C/international e-reporting. If you sell to consumers or abroad, you need both components. Verify that the software handles B2C data transmission to the DGFiP.
3. Choosing solely on price
A €5/month software requiring manual exports, no legal archiving, and no PPF connection will cost you far more in lost time and fines. Evaluate the total cost: license + data entry time + non-compliance risk.
4. Neglecting data migration
If you're switching software, ensure that migrating your history (clients, items, past invoices) is included or supported. A poorly prepared software switch can paralyze your business for weeks.
5. Ignoring human support
Technology alone isn't enough. Your accounting team needs training on the new workflow: invoice statuses, rejection handling, payment tracking. Choose a vendor that offers onboarding support, not just an online FAQ.
Why CassKai Checks All the Boxes
CassKai was designed from the ground up to meet e-invoicing requirements. Here's how it addresses each of the 8 criteria:
Native formats: CassKai natively generates and reads all three formats — Factur-X, UBL 2.1, and CII. No additional module to purchase, no manual conversion. The recommended Factur-X format is enabled by default.
PPF connection: Emission, reception, and status tracking via the PPF. Your invoices are transmitted automatically, and you track their lifecycle in real time from your dashboard.
E-invoicing + E-reporting: both components are managed from the same interface. CassKai automatically transmits B2C and international data to the administration.
Automatic mandatory fields: SIREN, intra-EU VAT, operation category, delivery address — everything is automatically included in your invoices. Nothing to verify manually.
Certified 10-year archiving: AES-256 encryption, timestamping, complete audit trail. Your archiving is compliant from day one.
Integrated accounting: intelligent bank reconciliation, automatic entries, real-time dashboards. No exports between your invoicing and accounting.
Multi-standard: PCG, SYSCOHADA, IFRS, and SCF native. Ideal for businesses operating in France and Africa.
Accessible pricing: from €29/month with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required. E-invoicing compliance is included in all plans, with no surcharge.
Try CassKai free for 30 days — no credit card required. 2026 compliance is included in all plans.