EN 16931‑1, the EU e‑invoicing standard, is being updated to a mid‑2026 release that expands B2B functionality and aligns with the ViDA initiative. The revision is not backward compatible, requiring migration for existing version 3 implementations, and will be formally approved in late January 2026 with publication concluding within six months. Key national roll‑outs include Germany’s XRechnung 4.0 and France’s CTC extensions.
The VATfaqs digest
Global VAT news, delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Free, curated from 50+ official sources, no spam.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
FlavorCloud · about 21 hours ago
EU introduces a €3 flat customs duty per HS6 item on IOSS shipments under €150, removes de minimis exemption, and targets a €2‑€3 per package handling fee, affecting cross‑border merchants from July 1, 2026.
VATCalc · 9 days ago
Continuous Transaction Controls (CTCs) are shifting VAT review from post‑return to real‑time monitoring, driven by e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandates across the EU. The EU requires intra‑community transactions to be e‑reported within 10 days, while Spain and Poland have tighter deadlines of 4 days and live e‑invoicing to KSeF, respectively. VATCalc offers a single tax engine that integrates VAT determination, e‑invoicing, e‑reporting and return preparation for 30+ countries.
Deloitte Luxembourg · 20 days ago
On 13 May 2024, the CJEU ruled that contractual price adjustments in intragroup transactions are not considered a supply of services for VAT purposes, meaning such adjustments fall outside the scope of VAT. The decision applies across the EU, including Portugal and Luxembourg, and underscores the need for case‑by‑case assessment of transfer pricing adjustments. The ruling does not change VAT rates or thresholds but clarifies the treatment of these adjustments.
Law360 · 25 days ago
The EU's top court ruled that intercompany pricing adjustments between the former General Motors unit and Stellantis do not alter VAT liability, meaning the Portuguese government should not have increased the VAT bill for Stellantis. The decision clarifies that such pricing shifts are not subject to VAT adjustments.
VatCalc · about 1 month ago
EU finance ministers endorsed an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 that will allow OLAF and EPPO to query Member State VAT systems, but the amendment restricts access to read‑only, case‑by‑case searches and bans bulk extraction or AI analysis. The measure is pending Parliament approval, likely in July 2026, and will be routed through VIES, CESOP and Eurofisc channels.
Global VAT Compliance · about 1 month ago
The European Commission’s proposed EU bill would require member states to share VAT data with anti‑fraud agencies, but Spain has raised objections over data access provisions and inconsistencies. The proposal, introduced in November, seeks to strengthen cooperation against VAT fraud, which the Commission estimates costs the EU €90 billion annually. Spain plans amendments ahead of the upcoming EU finance ministers meeting.
Put your brand alongside trusted tax-tech intelligence across 150+ countries.
Key Takeaways
The formal publication process is expected to conclude in mid‑2026, following a unanimous vote in late January 2026 and a 6‑month completion period.
No, the update is not backward compatible; existing version 3 implementations must plan migration due to new business terms and syntax changes.
The update adds support for multiple purchase orders or delivery notes within a single invoice, multiple buyer references, and business identifiers for buyers.
Germany is planning XRechnung 4.0, France is aligning CTC extensions, and other European countries are expected to adopt the update.
They will be formally voted on in July 2026.
Primary source
Read the full article at The Invoicing HubThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 5 March 2026. It relates to VAT developments in European Union. The original source is The Invoicing Hub.
