The Expert Group on e-Invoicing has the following mission: - Identify shortcomings in the current regulatory framework for e-invoicing - Define business requirements and relevant data elements for e-invoicing - Propose responsibilities for standardization bodies and a timeline - Propose a European e-Invoicing Framework with common concepts The group recommends creating an interoperable e-invoicing ecosystem using consistent terminology, content standards, common IT standards, connectivity requirements, and an electronic addressing process. It also recommends guidelines, agreements between parties, and interoperability within and between networks. The proposed European e-Invoicing Forum should oversee implementation with support from standards bodies and industry.

1. Expert Group on e-Invoicing - Mission
Defined in Commission Decision of 31 October 2007:
§ Identify shortcomings in current regulatory framework
§ Define e-Invoicing business requirements
§ Address relevant e-invoicing data elements (and linkages)
§ Propose responsibilities for standardisation bodies and time
schedule
§ Propose a European e-Invoicing Framework - a common
conceptual structure

2. Definition and components
of the European e-Invoicing Framework

3. Vision and target picture
• E-invoicing becomes predominant within 5-8 years, in some
countries earlier.
• Harmonised and clear legal environment will exist across the EU.
• Trading parties have wide choice of convenient solutions and
services- bilateral, 3-corner and 4-corner models in use.
• Standards adopted based on single data model- UN/CEFACT CII.
• Investments made in ERP and supply chain systems and in low
cost and user friendly solutions. For SME’s no investment in IT
solutions or IT skills needed.
• Expected dematerialisation of other processes.

4. Expert Group Recommendations
The EG recommends the creation of an e-invoicing eco-
system that provides maximum interoperability and reach.
Detailed recommendations:
• the use of consistent terminology to describe and clarify the roles and
responsibilities;
• content standards that support the basic cross-industry e-invoicing business
requirements;
• the use of common, non-proprietary European and international information
technology standards;
• minimum business and technical requirements for connectivity and messaging;
• the development of an interoperable electronic addressing and routing process;
• the development and deployment of a variety of accepted business and
implementation models;
• the use of good practice guidelines as self assessment tools on a voluntary basis;
• establishing sound and enforceable agreements;
• to provide interoperability within and between networks and network-based
solutions.

5. Expert Group recommendations
Responsibility for
implementation: • Interoperability can only be created
through an appropriate mix of
collaboration and competition.
The proposed European level
multi-stakeholder e-Invoicing
• In the EG view, there is no generalised
Forum should take the lead,
market failure and there are promising
supported by CEN, the developments towards the required level
service and solution provider of interoperability.
community, as well as
community projects,
• However, where required, further
associations and user groups. support should be given for the
development of a healthy and vibrant
eco-system.

6. First analysis - consultation feedback
Inter-operability
• Vast majority of respondents recognises inter-operability as one of the key requirements
which are critical for the success of EEIF
• Majority of replies agrees with the ‘eco-system’ proposed by EG, at least in principle
• The following key areas of improvement and open issues were identified by respondents:
• Current proposal rather vague and 'theoretical'. Concrete rules for inter-operability
need to be developed. Clearer assignment of tasks and responsibilities required.
• Strong link between invoices and payments. Therefore, requirements in relation to
payment messaging standard ISO 20022 should be included.
• Addressing and routing issues not sufficiently covered in proposal. Clear rules in
this area are a crucial prerequisite for inter-operability.
• Definition of an eco-system should also include description of different business
models for service providers
• As regards implementation of an eco-system, diverging opinions whether such a
framework should evolve through market forces or required intervention.