Mandatory electronic invoicing: how to comply before 2026?

By September 2026, all restaurateurs will have to be ready: electronic invoicing is becoming mandatory. It's a minor revolution in the world of accounting, but don't panic. With a little forethought and the right tools, the transition can go smoothly and even benefit your establishment. Whether you're an independent restaurant, a franchisee or a multi-site manager, here's everything you need to know to make sure you're up to speed before the deadline.

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What does mandatory electronic invoicing mean for restaurants?

What does the September 1, 2026 e-invoicing obligation entail?

From September 1, 2026, all VAT-registered businesses, including restaurants, will have to issue and receive their invoices in electronic format via certified platforms. 

Gone are the days of paper invoices or PDFs sent by e-mail: now it's time for structured online invoicing, transmitted via a partner dematerialization platform (PDP) or via the Public Billing Portal (PPF). What is the aim of this reform? To simplify VAT management and strengthen the fight against tax fraud.

What types of restaurant are covered by the electronic invoicing obligation?

Are you wondering whether your establishment is affected by this new obligation? The answer is yes, they all are: traditional restaurants, fast-food outlets, foodtrucks, franchises, and so on. This law applies even if you don't issue many invoices. 

For example, a local bistro that invoices only for seminars or events will also have to transmit these few invoices via a certified platform. In the case of a franchise, the head office will have to monitor the invoicing of each establishment and ensure overall network compliance.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with mandatory electronic invoicing?

Failure to comply with the electronic invoicing obligation may result in a fine of €15 per non-compliant invoice, up to a maximum of €15,000 per year. This penalty will apply in the event of non-transmission or incorrect transmission of invoices via mandatory channels (PDP or Public Billing Portal).

You also need to take into account all the operational inconveniences: late payments, rejection of invoices by your business customers, loss of visibility over your cash flow, and so on. An ill-prepared transition will impact your entire accounting organization.

So it's best to think ahead, test your tools beforehand and train your teams.

What concrete impact will this have on your day-to-day catering management?

Electronic invoicing is not just a technical change, it also transforms the way you manage your documents, payments and supplier relationships. It automates a number of time-consuming tasks, reduces errors and facilitates the exchange of information with your accounting firm. Think of it as an opportunity to upgrade your tools to more modern, centralized solutions.

In concrete terms, this means fewer manual re-entries, shorter processing times and greater responsiveness in the event of a dispute or customer request. You gain in visibility and traceability, and can concentrate more on your core business rather than on administration. For your front-of-house or kitchen teams, this can also mean fewer trips back and forth to find a document or validate an invoice.

👉 To find out more: Guide: choosing the best cash register software for your restaurant

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What steps need to be taken to comply with the 2026 deadline?

Roadmap for restaurateurs: what to do and when?

Step by step, here's how to get organized until the 2026 deadline:

• Mid-2025: carry out an audit of your current invoicing tool,
  
• End 2025: identify your PDP or check the compatibility of your cash register software,
  
• Early 2026: test the issue and receipt of electronic invoices,
  
• Summer 2026: train your team and automate processes,
  
• September 1, 2026: ready for mandatory entry into force.
  

Should I change my restaurant billing software or just update it?

If you're already using compatible cash register or invoicing software, a simple upgrade may be all you need. Start by checking that your solution can issue electronic invoices in structured format (Factur-X, UBL or CII). Also make sure that it can connect to a partner dematerialization platform (PDP) or to the Public Billing Portal. 

Another essential point is the correct processing of supplier invoices, which must be automatically integrated into your accounting system. Finally, electronic archiving must meet legal requirements, with secure, time-stamped storage for 10 years.

How do I choose the right e-invoicing PDP for my restaurant business?

Your PDP must be government-certified and compatible with your existing tools. It must be easy to use, even for teams who are not experts in management or accounting. And if you manage several outlets, make sure it allows you to group data by sales outlet, while providing a consolidated global view for head office or management. This double reading is key to effective business management across a network.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends above all on your current situation. If you're already using up-to-date POS software, compliance is often included in your existing contract, or offered at a preferential rate by the publisher.

On the other hand, using a PDP platform can generate additional costs, in the form of monthly subscriptions or fees per invoice processed. These costs vary according to the volumes and functionalities chosen. So it's a good idea tofactor this expense into your 2026 budget, and start comparing available offers now to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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What are the concrete benefits of electronic invoicing for restaurants?

Electronic invoicing isn't just a matter of regulations, it can also simplify your daily life. Let us prove it to you in 4 points. 

Save time on accounting management

Electronic invoices are automatically archived, sorted and ready for transmission to your accounting firm. For you, this means less paperwork, fewer data entry errors and simplified access to document history.

Better payment tracking

A well-configured PDP enables you to view pending invoices, automate customer reminders and receive alerts in the event of delays. This is particularly useful if you offer catering services, organize events or invoice services to business customers.

More secure tax management

Electronic invoicing reduces errors, reinforces compliance and facilitates administrative controls. You also gain greater visibility of your cash flow, with up-to-date data for better business management.

Simplified management of multiple sites and franchises

If you manage several establishments, you can centralize all invoices in a single tool, access consolidated reports and work more smoothly with your teams or your chartered accountant.

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Finally, seen from this angle, electronic invoicing could well become a real asset in everyday business. What do you think?

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Is your restaurant cash register software ready for mandatory electronic invoicing?

Essential features to check

To comply with e-invoicing requirements, your cash register or invoicing software must meet a number of technical and functional criteria. Here are the points to check now:

• Issuing structured electronic invoices: your software must be able to generate invoices in government-approved XML format (Factur-X, UBL or CII).
  
• Connection to a certified platform (PDP) or to the Public Billing Portal (PPF): your tool must enable direct transmission of invoices to the administration or to customers via these channels.
  
• Receipt and integration of supplier invoices: the reform also concerns the receipt of invoices. Your software must be able to import them, consult them and integrate them into your accounting system.
  
• Electronic archiving with probative value: invoices must be kept for 10 years in a secure, time-stamped and unalterable format.
  
• Tracking the status of invoices: dispatch, receipt, rejection, validation - the tool must provide clear visibility of the life cycle of each invoice.
  
• Interoperability with your accounting firm: make sure exports are simple and compatible with your accountant's tools.
  

If your software doesn't tick all these boxes, it's time to consider upgrading or switching to another solution.

👉 To find out more : Restaurant cash register software: 9 key features

Why choose an all-in-one checkout like Innovorder?

A cash register software like Innovorder enables you to manage your cash receipts, reservations, stock management and invoicing, all in a single interface. A real efficiency booster! And best of all, it ensures smooth compliance, without having to multiply tools or reinvent your internal processes.

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2026 is fast approaching, and so is the obligation to issue and receive electronic invoices. To avoid last-minute stress, it's essential to get started now. Take stock of your tools, talk to your chartered accountant and prepare for the transition to paperless invoicing. By choosing the right solution, you'll gain in peace of mind, productivity and compliance.

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Are you looking for a complete solution tailored to the specific needs of restaurateurs? Innovorder is here to help you every step of the way.