In November 2018, the Act of November 9, 2018, was introduced, paving the way for electronic invoicing in public procurement and related domains. Since April 18, 2019, this legislation has been in full force, aligning Poland with the eInvoicing Directive (2014/55/EU).
Fast forward to the present: Poland is poised to revolutionize B2B electronic invoicing by introducing the National eInvoicing System (KSeF) by July 1, 2024. This centralized platform aims to streamline invoicing processes, enforce digital time stamps on electronic invoices, and integrate seamlessly with the CTC monitoring model.
Strategy
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the Ministry of Finance is diligently working towards mandatory B2B/B2G eInvoicing by July 1, 2024. A national standard for eInvoices has been in operation since January 1, 2023, on a voluntary basis, setting the stage for the mandatory system to come into effect.
Moreover, there's a comprehensive strategy in place to ensure cross-border eInvoicing interoperability. While cross-border invoices are exempt from national obligations, mechanisms such as the Peppol network facilitate electronic exchanges.
Numbers and Statistics
By the end of 2022, over 17,000 entities, predominantly from the public sector, were registered on the platform, culminating in the exchange of over 330,000 e-invoices during the same year via the PEF platform.
Implementation of EN 16931 Compliant eInvoices
The integration of the PEF and KSeF platforms is a pivotal step in aligning B2B and B2G eInvoicing. While the national standard will be mandatory for B2B invoices via the KSeF platform, economic operators retain the freedom to choose between PEF and KSeF for handling B2G invoices.
Uptake of EN 16931
The adoption of eInvoicing has seen a moderate rise with the implementation of Directive 2014/55/EU and EN 16931 standards. Specific implementation guides tailored to Polish conditions have facilitated the integration of these standards, including specialized invoicing for mass services.
eInvoicing Services Offered by the Government
The KSeF system and the PEF platform are both available free of charge for B2B and B2G invoicing. Economic operators have the liberty to select the platform and standard that best suits their needs, with PEF exclusively catering to B2G transactions.
PEF System
While the issuance of eInvoices by suppliers remains voluntary, their reception and acceptance by purchasing authorities are mandatory, per the Directive. Notably, no electronic signature is mandated for eInvoicing via PEF.
Benefits at the National Level
The implementation of eInvoicing has promised operational efficiency and potential environmental benefits, although comprehensive research in this area is ongoing.
Monitoring Activities
Robust monitoring mechanisms are in place to track the adoption rate and usage statistics. Administrators closely monitor the number of suppliers using PEF and the volume of eInvoices submitted through the platform.
Stay tuned for further updates and insights as Poland continues to revolutionize its eInvoicing landscape, enhancing efficiency and transparency in financial transactions.
SAP Integration
The integration of eInvoicing with SAP systems presents a significant opportunity for enhanced automation and seamless data flow. By integrating eInvoicing directly into SAP platforms, businesses can achieve:
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Efficiency: Automating the eInvoicing process within SAP reduces manual intervention, ensuring accurate and timely invoice processing.
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Accuracy and Compliance: Integration allows for the direct transfer of invoice data, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards set by the eInvoicing Directive.
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Centralized Data: Businesses benefit from centralized data management, enabling easy access to invoices, improving transparency, and facilitating better decision-making.
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Improved Cash Flow Management: Real-time access to invoicing data within SAP enables better cash flow management, allowing businesses to make informed financial decisions.
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Seamless Workflow: The integration streamlines the entire invoicing workflow, from creation to approval and payment, reducing processing time and optimizing operations.
Integrating eInvoicing with SAP systems aligns with the broader strategy of modernizing financial operations and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. As Poland moves toward mandatory B2B/B2G eInvoicing by July 1, 2024, SAP integration offers a strategic advantage to businesses aiming to stay ahead in their eInvoicing practices.
With SAP integration, businesses can leverage the power of their existing infrastructure while embracing the efficiency and compliance benefits of electronic invoicing.