Italy has been a pioneer in electronic invoicing within the European Union, establishing a mandatory e-invoicing regime since January 2019. Initially applied to domestic B2B and B2G transactions, the scope has expanded over time, with new obligations introduced for cross-border transactions and certain sectors. The implementation is part of a broader digital strategy aimed at enhancing tax compliance and reducing VAT fraud.
E-invoicing in Italy is regulated through the Sistema di Interscambio (SDI), a central exchange platform managed by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). All invoices must be submitted through SDI in the structured XML format known as FatturaPA. B2Brouter is fully compliant with Italian requirements and operates as a certified Peppol Access Point, enabling businesses to meet both domestic and international invoicing standards with confidence.
This page provides a comprehensive guide to key deadlines, legal obligations, and technical specifications for e-invoicing in Italy. Whether you operate locally or send invoices to Italian entities, we will help you navigate the current rules and upcoming developments effectively.
Important dates
2025 (tentative)
Italy is aligning its systems to be compatible with the upcoming EU-wide e-invoicing and e-reporting framework.
2028 (tentative)
Italy is expected to adapt national systems to meet ViDA requirements for cross-border e-invoicing across Europe.
Legislation
- ViDA alignment
Italy is preparing for EU-wide e-invoicing through updates aligned with the upcoming ViDA framework.
- Cross-border reporting
Since 2022, Italy mandates near real-time e-reporting for foreign invoices via SDI.
- Archiving requirements
Invoices must be stored digitally for 10 years, with time-stamping and digital signatures.
- Digital signature rules
Invoices require a qualified electronic signature (QES) to ensure authenticity and integrity.
- Legal basis
The main regulatory framework stems from Decreto Legislativo 127/2015 and updates via Budget Laws.
Accepted formats
The standard format is XML FatturaPA, as defined by the Agenzia delle Entrate. No PDFs are allowed.
Delivery channels
Invoices must be transmitted via SDI or through certified service providers or Peppol where applicable.
Regulating authority
The Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) oversees compliance and manages the SDI infrastructure.
Send e-invoices to Italy securely with B2Brouter
Full SDI integration
Send and receive e-invoices seamlessly via SDI with no technical complexity on your side.
Certified Peppol Access Point
Connect effortlessly to European and international clients and administrations via Peppol.
Multi-format compatibility
Handle FatturaPA XML, Peppol BIS, and other structured formats with automatic conversions.
Automated compliance updates
Stay up-to-date with the latest Italian and EU e-invoicing regulations—no manual changes needed.
Secure long-term archiving
Meet Italian legal archiving rules with encrypted, time-stamped digital storage for 10+ years.
Certifications
B2Brouter is certified with the ISO 27001 standard on information security management, certified as a Peppol Access Point Service Provider and a member of the EESPA.
