ELECTRONIC INVOICING
E-Invoicing
in the United Kingdom
Format: to be defined
Where are we now?
In the United Kingdom, e-invoicing is still in a transitional phase, marked by a flexible approach and ongoing regulatory evolution. At present, there is no general obligation for B2B transactions: businesses may continue to use paper invoices, PDFs or EDI solutions, provided that traceability and proper retention of documents for at least six years are ensured.
In the public sector (B2G), however, since 2020 all authorities have been required to accept electronic invoices compliant with the European standard EN 16931, even though suppliers are not obliged to use them. The only exception concerns the National Health Service (NHS), where e-invoicing is mandatory: suppliers must send invoices via the Peppol network in the Peppol BIS 3.0 format.
The most significant change concerns the future: the UK government has announced the introduction of a B2B e-invoicing obligation by 2029, probably based on a decentralised model and the Peppol network. This system will allow direct exchange between businesses, without a central platform, and could also include forms of e-reporting to the tax authority (HMRC).
For businesses, the UK context therefore represents a preparatory phase: adapting now to structured standards and digital integrations means being ready for an obligation that, while not immediate, will bring about a profound transformation of administrative and tax processes.
A-Cube APIs for e-invoicing in the United Kingdom
Where are we now?
In the United Kingdom, e-invoicing is still in a transitional phase, marked by a flexible approach and ongoing regulatory evolution. At present, there is no general obligation for B2B transactions: businesses may continue to use paper invoices, PDFs or EDI solutions, provided that traceability and proper retention of documents for at least six years are ensured.
In the public sector (B2G), however, since 2020 all authorities have been required to accept electronic invoices compliant with the European standard EN 16931, even though suppliers are not obliged to use them. The only exception concerns the National Health Service (NHS), where e-invoicing is mandatory: suppliers must send invoices via the Peppol network in the Peppol BIS 3.0 format.
The most significant change concerns the future: the UK government has announced the introduction of a B2B e-invoicing obligation by 2029, probably based on a decentralised model and the Peppol network. This system will allow direct exchange between businesses, without a central platform, and could also include forms of e-reporting to the tax authority (HMRC).
For businesses, the UK context therefore represents a preparatory phase: adapting now to structured standards and digital integrations means being ready for an obligation that, while not immediate, will bring about a profound transformation of administrative and tax processes.
A-Cube APIs for e-invoicing in the United Kingdom
Local regulations, global API.
Every country has its own tax rules — we always have the right API. Our composable technology allows the platform to adapt to local needs, offering individual components or a fully integrated all-in-one solution.
European Union
Mandatory: VIDA from 2028
Local regulations, global API.
Every country has its own tax rules — we always have the right API. Our composable technology allows the platform to adapt to local needs, offering individual components or a fully integrated all-in-one solution.
European Union
Mandatory: VIDA from 2028
Local regulations, global API.
Every country has its own tax rules — we always have the right API. Our composable technology allows the platform to adapt to local needs, offering individual components or a fully integrated all-in-one solution.
European Union
Mandatory: VIDA from 2028