Growing Support for Mandatory E-Invoicing Legislation in Sweden

Swedish businesses increasingly support the shift to mandatory e-invoicing in response to the EU's ViDA directive.

Key Points

  • • Growing support for mandatory e-invoicing in Sweden.
  • • EU's ViDA directive promotes e-invoicing to modernize VAT systems.
  • • Many European countries already implementing e-invoicing legislation.
  • • Existing technology can facilitate transition from voluntary to mandatory e-invoicing.

As Sweden faces calls to transition from voluntary to mandatory e-invoicing, the recent discussions highlight enhanced backing among the business community and regulatory advocates. The push is fueled by the EU’s ViDA directive aimed at modernizing VAT systems and combating tax fraud.

Nazar Paradivskyy, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Pagero, has emphasized that Sweden is lagging behind other EU countries in e-invoicing adoption, despite its reputation for digital innovation. Countries such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France are already implementing mandatory e-invoicing, reflecting a shift toward enhanced competitiveness and transparency in business operations.

Joakim Hahne, CEO of Pagero Sweden, noted that while many companies utilize e-invoicing voluntarily, the absence of a legal framework creates inconsistencies in digital maturity across various sectors. He advocates for legislation that could level the playing field, facilitating operational efficiencies while creating uniform standards for all businesses.

A recent survey commissioned by Pagero indicates substantial support among Swedish businesses for such legislation, underscoring the need for compliance, efficiency, and improved access to real-time data in their operations. With the technology for mandatory e-invoicing readily available, Sweden appears poised to benefit significantly by aligning itself with the evolving demands of digitalization in invoicing.