European E-Invoicing: Latest Updates on ViDA and CEN Standards Work
CEN TC434 Plenary - Helping to Shape the Future Direction of B2B invoicing
As a CEN Liaison Organisation, Odette is participating in the upcoming CEN TC434 Plenary meeting in Helsinki on 9–10 June, where discussions on the EN16931 standard cover updates to the core data model specification, the future positioning of EDIFACT within the wider syntax framework, and the clarification of the approval process for sector-specific extensions.
Odette participates in the plenary with the objective of helping shape decisions that could significantly influence future automotive e-invoicing standards and ensuring that existing automotive investments in e-invoicing are protected as new legislative requirements emerge.
Odette is also actively engaged in various CEN TC434 Working Groups, with experts contributing to the development of the core data model, syntax bindings and sector related extension to the core data model. This working level involvement provides a vital channel for incorporating automotive business requirements and technical implementations into the development of future specifications.
Interoperability and Mapping Work
A key priority identified at the Odette level is the development of an official Odette mapping between our current EDIFACT D07A invoice message and EN 16931.
The objective is to ensure consistent semantic interpretation across UBL, CII and EDIFACT syntaxes, enabling automotive companies to process invoices from multiple sources efficiently and construct effective implementation environments.
Direct Reporting Requirements (DRR)
Odette is also reviewing a draft DRR data model aligned with the EN 16931 semantic framework. Of particular interest is the inclusion of detailed line-item data elements, including quantities, prices and item-level descriptions.
There are concerns about these requirements which increase the possibility of exposure of commercially sensitive business information. As a result, the scope and granularity of mandatory data elements are expected to remain under discussion as implementation progresses towards the 2030 implementation timeframe.
National Implementation Approaches Continue to Diverge
Rather than wait for the EU e-invoicing legislation, many countries have already gone ahead with their own e-invoicing implementations and, as usual, these vary considerably, in terms of exchange models, transport mechanisms and syntax selection. For example:
• France is preparing for a mandatory rollout on 1st September 2026, supported by ongoing pilot activities. Market adoption is increasingly converging on UBL, influenced by platform and service provider requirements. Consequently, support for EDIFACT is becoming more limited in some domestic business scenarios.
• Germany and Sweden continue to support a multi-syntax, multi-channel approach, emphasising interoperability across existing infrastructures, including OFTP2, while avoiding dependence on a single mandated network layer.
• United Kingdom is preparing for a potential April 2029 mandate, with ongoing engagement between industry stakeholders and HMRC regarding support for EDIFACT and point-to-point exchange models.
Outlook
Several important questions remain open, including the future scope of DRR requirements, the positioning of EDIFACT within the CEN framework, and the alignment of national implementation programmes.
Work continues across CEN working groups and national initiatives, with a strong focus on semantic consistency, extension governance and interoperability. As implementation programmes accelerate across Europe, maintaining alignment between regulatory requirements, technical standards and existing automotive processes will remain a key priority for Odette.