Electronic Invoicing? standards for interoperability

The European Standardization System has a long-standing commitment to encourage innovation and promote interoperability. In support of this CEN has organised an Open Meeting on the business, technical and legal aspects of electronic invoicing on 19 June at the Diamant Building in Brussels.

Substantial savings for business can be achieved through carrying out transactions electronically. However, to do this requires interoperable solutions, and, in the case of electronic invoicing, solutions that meet the needs of public authorities, for instance for VAT, across all European member states.

The Open Meeting on 'Electronic Invoices and Compliance' will present the significant progress of standardization regarding electronic invoices in Europe, carried out through an open CEN Workshop. This initiative is in support of Council Directive 2001/115/EC, and national legislation as regards electronic invoices. It is aligned with the ongoing activities of industry and tax authorities to remove barriers to electronic invoicing in order to cut costs and simplify the invoicing processes for all participants whilst guaranteeing authenticity and integrity of invoice transmission.

With more than 60 companies actively participating, the CEN Workshop has become the sounding board of the electronic invoice industry - comprising software companies, service provider, end-users, as well as tax authorities - in an increasing number of European countries. The Workshop develops best practices on invoice compliance, technologies, and interconnection of service providers in Europe.

Regarding this initiative, CEN Secretary-General Gaston Michaud commented:
"The eInvoicing Workshop is currently one of the most important Workshop activities. The enormous problem of achieving interoperability in ICT is partly the result of undue fragmentation of approach, and the fact that we have such a large group working rapidly help ensure a more unified approach"