Since the publication of Directive 2014/55/EU, e-invoicing has spread to all countries on the European continent.
At first, it was the B2G transactions, and in the near future it is expected that the mandatory use will be extended to all B2B and B2C transactions. As a result, many countries in Eastern Europe are working to establish the optimal model for their invoicing.
These are the latest developments in some European countries:
Romania
The obligation to use e-invoicing for B2G (with public administrations) and B2B (for high tax risk suppliers) started on 1 July 2022. It is planned that the mandatory use for the rest of the companies will start gradually in 2024. Invoices are generated in UBL format and follow the RO_CIUS standard.
Belarus
There has been significant development in this country, although it is not mandatory. The use of e-invoicing is growing and it is very useful for improving efficiency and reducing administrative costs.
The format used is XML and invoices must be sent to the Ministry of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus (NALOG) for approval before being issued to the recipient.
Bulgaria
In 2018, the use of e-invoicing was regulated with the adoption of the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Public Procurement Act (LASPPA). Three years later, in 2021, a public consultation was launched on the mandatory introduction of e-invoicing.
The most recent updates date back to 4 July 2022, when the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) announced the launch of a 24-month project to introduce the use of the Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T).
Slovakia
E-invoicing is mandatory for certain B2G transactions above €5,000, while it remains voluntary for others. Mandatory e-invoicing for B2G transactions is expected to be implemented in autumn 2023 and for B2B transactions by 2025 (although it will remain voluntary in 2023).
Hungary
In Hungary, e-invoicing is implemented through the RTIR system, which includes an obligation to report invoice data to the relevant tax authority: the NAV Online Invoicing System.
From 2021, the obligation to send and receive electronic invoices will be extended to all B2B and B2C commercial transactions.
Poland
The project for the widespread adoption of e-invoicing by businesses started on a voluntary basis on 1 January 2022, with the expectation of mandatory use for all B2B and B2G transactions from 2024. All invoices must be issued in a structured format via an approved service provider to the tax authority's platform (KSeF).
Russia
Currently, the use of e-invoicing in Russia is voluntary and depends on the agreement between the sender and the receiver. Invoices are generated from structured XML files and must be electronically signed.
Ukraine
As of 1 January 2018, businesses in Ukraine are required to issue electronic invoices for commercial transactions with the government. However, it remains entirely voluntary for commercial transactions between private companies. E-invoices in Ukraine must follow specific technical requirements and be in an electronically signed XML format. In addition, invoices must be sent and received through the State Electronic Invoicing System (SEFS) or authorised e-invoicing services.
Multicountry e-Invoicing
For companies operating across multiple countries, ensuring compliance with international obligations is crucial. A viable solution is to adopt a certified global e-invoicing platform, such as the multi-country e-invoicing solution offered by SERES.
The SERES multi-country e-invoicing solution offers several benefits, including:
- Adhere to legal and technical requirements in each country, ensuring compliance.
- Streamlines workflows between subsidiaries or companies situated in different countries. This harmonization facilitates the seamless sharing of vital information across borders, enhancing collaboration, and expediting decision-making processes
- Real-time visibility of subsidiary information, enabling efficient management of treasury, receivables and payables.
- Access to a global operator, eliminating the need for each subsidiary to adapt to different providers and providing support throughout the activation process.
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