Chorus Pro — Complete Guide to French E-Invoicing Platform
Everything you need to know about Chorus Pro: what it is, how it works, accepted formats, ODP platforms, and the 2026 e-invoicing reform timeline.
What is Chorus Pro?
Chorus Pro is France's national e-invoicing platform, operated by AIFE (Agence pour l'Informatique Financière de l'État). Originally launched in 2017 for B2G (Business-to-Government) invoicing, it is being expanded to serve as the central hub for France's mandatory B2B e-invoicing reform starting September 2026.
Chorus Pro accepts three structured invoice formats: Factur-X (PDF + CII XML), UBL 2.1, and UN/CEFACT CII. All must comply with the EN 16931 European standard. The platform handles invoice submission, status tracking, and archiving.
For B2B transactions, private certified platforms called ODPs (Opérateurs de Dématérialisation Partenaire) will relay invoices to and from Chorus Pro, creating a decentralized ecosystem.
Key features and capabilities
Chorus Pro provides:
Invoice submission
Submit invoices in Factur-X, UBL, or CII format. Manual entry via web portal also available for small businesses. API access for automated submission (via EDI or web services).
Status tracking
Track invoice lifecycle: submitted, received, accepted, rejected, paid. Real-time notifications via the portal or API. Full audit trail for compliance.
E-reporting (2026+)
Under the reform, Chorus Pro will also handle e-reporting: transmission of transaction data to the DGFiP (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques) for VAT pre-filling and fraud detection.
The 2026 e-invoicing reform
France's reform rolls out in phases:
September 2026 — Phase 1
Large enterprises (>5,000 employees or >1.5B€ turnover): mandatory emission of structured e-invoices. All companies: mandatory reception of e-invoices.
September 2027 — Phase 2
Mid-size companies (250–5,000 employees) and small businesses: mandatory emission. By this date, all French VAT-registered companies must be able to send and receive structured e-invoices.
Continuous
E-reporting obligations for international transactions and transactions with non-established parties. VAT data transmitted to DGFiP in near real-time.
ODP platforms: the private ecosystem
ODPs (Opérateurs de Dématérialisation Partenaire) are certified private platforms:
ODPs handle B2B invoice exchange between companies. They connect to Chorus Pro for routing and e-reporting, but also exchange directly with other ODPs. Examples include Cegid, Sage, SAP, and many specialized providers.
You are not required to use Chorus Pro directly for B2B. You can choose an ODP that integrates with your ERP, and the ODP handles the Chorus Pro connection and format conversion.
ValidateFin helps you validate your invoices before submitting them to your ODP or directly to Chorus Pro — ensuring they comply with EN 16931 and the accepted format specifications.
Validate before submitting to Chorus Pro
Upload your Factur-X PDF or UBL XML to ValidateFin and check EN 16931 compliance, tax calculations, and format integrity before submission. 100% browser-based — no file leaves your device.
Open Factur-X ValidatorFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chorus Pro free to use?
Yes. Chorus Pro is a free public service operated by AIFE. There are no subscription fees or per-invoice charges for using the platform directly. ODP providers may charge their own fees.
Can I submit invoices manually on Chorus Pro?
Yes. Small businesses can submit invoices through the web portal manually. You can fill in invoice fields directly or upload a PDF. For larger volumes, API integration is recommended.
Which format is best for Chorus Pro?
Factur-X (EN 16931 profile or higher) is the most widely used format for Chorus Pro. UBL 2.1 is preferred if you also exchange via Peppol. Both are fully supported.
Do I need an ODP?
For B2G invoicing, you can submit directly to Chorus Pro. For B2B, you may choose to use Chorus Pro directly or through an ODP. ODPs offer additional features like ERP integration, format conversion, and archiving.
What is e-reporting?
E-reporting is the obligation to transmit transaction data (not the full invoice) to the DGFiP for VAT pre-filling. It applies to international transactions and transactions with non-established parties.
Can I test on Chorus Pro before going live?
Yes. AIFE provides a qualification (test) environment for Chorus Pro. You can submit test invoices and validate your integration before going to production.
What happens if Chorus Pro rejects my invoice?
You receive a rejection notification with an error code explaining the reason (format error, missing fields, tax calculation mismatch). Fix the issue and resubmit.
Is Chorus Pro connected to Peppol?
Not directly. Chorus Pro is a national platform. However, some ODPs act as Peppol access points, allowing you to receive Peppol invoices that are converted and forwarded to Chorus Pro.
What is the SIRET and why is it important?
The SIRET (14-digit identifier) uniquely identifies a French business establishment. It is mandatory in B2B invoices for buyer and seller identification. Chorus Pro uses SIRET for routing.
Will the reform affect companies outside France?
Yes. Any company selling to French businesses will need to issue structured e-invoices. International suppliers can submit via an ODP or directly to Chorus Pro using UBL, Factur-X, or CII format.