The reform of electronic invoicing requires all VAT-registered companies to receive and transmit their invoices in compliance with regulatory standards (Factur‑X, UBL, CII), while enabling e-reporting.
For a software publisher, there are two key concepts:
- Approved Platform (PA) : registered operator with the DGFiP, able to transmit invoices and tax data to the administration.
- Compatible Solution : business software (ERP, accounting, DMS, management) that prepares compliant data flows but relies on an Accredited Platform (PA) for the actual transmission.
This framework is central: the software can be Solution Compatible, but there must always be a PA behind it to ensure regulatory compliance and reporting.
Two models for publishers: white-label vs gray-label
To integrate electronic invoicing, publishers have two main strategies:
The white-label PA
- Definition: the software becomes registered as an Accredited Platform via a PA, often through a partner like IOPOLE. The publisher can offer electronic invoicing services directly to its clients under its own brand.
- Advantages:
- Full control over the electronic invoicing offering;
- Can monetize its services and integrate them directly into its software;
- Access to an ISO 27001-compliant infrastructure and to audits by the DGFiP;
- No functional competition: the PA remains the dedicated provider.
- Ideal for: software vendors who want to be registered as a PA without developing the entire complex regulatory infrastructure themselves.
IOPOLE is a leader in this model: they support publishers to become a white-label PA, with a robust, secure, scalable infrastructure compliant with DGFiP audits.
The Compatible Solution / gray-label
- Definition: the vendor does not become a PA but offers certified software Compatible Solution, connected to an existing PA for transmission.
- Advantages:
- Fast deployment and reduced costs;
- The publisher can continue to monetize its electronic invoicing services;
- Focuses on its core business (ERP, accounting, management, DMS…);
- Always compliant with legal obligations thanks to the partner PA.
- Ideal for: publishers who want to integrate electronic invoicing without taking on the complete regulatory infrastructure.
IOPOLE already serves more than 150 industry software solutions as Solution Compatible, offering publishers a reliable, long-term integration with a robust PA.
Monetization and services: why both models are valid
Whether you choose the white-label or grey-label model, the software publisher can:
- Offer an integrated electronic invoicing service to its customers;
- Set its pricing and business model;
- Ensure regulatory compliance without outsourcing the core business of its software.
The difference lies in the level of control and regulatory responsibility :
- White label = PA registration, maximum control.
- Grey label = Compatible Solution, delegation of transmission to a third-party PA.
Why IOPOLE is the preferred partner for publishers
IOPOLE combines both approaches:
- White-label PA They assist publishers in becoming registered with the DGFiP without having to build the complete infrastructure themselves.
- Compatible Solution They connect software to PAs to ensure compliance and secure transmission, with more 150 successful business integrations.
IOPOLE's specific advantages for publishers:
- Pure e-invoicing player: no competition with business software.
- Scalable and secure infrastructure (sovereign Cloud, ISO 27001).
- Comprehensive API and sandbox for quick tests and POCs.
- Continuous regulatory monitoring, notably on changes to mandatory information and European projects like VIDA 2030.
- Peppol-certified international interoperability for cross-border flows.
In summary
- White-label PA = registration and full control, ideal for software publishers who want to offer services under their brand and control the infrastructure.
- Compatible Solution / grey-label = fast, flexible integration; the publisher stays focused on their software while offering compliant services.
- IOPOLE is the leader in white-label PA and Compatible Solution, offering security, scalability and compliance for all business use cases.
