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E-Invoicing in Switzerland

Country Situation

General Description

Switzerland implemented a mandatory B2G e-invoicing regime for suppliers to the federal administration. Since 1 January 2016, all suppliers issuing invoices of CHF 5,000 or more to federal bodies must transmit them in a structured electronic format.

Invoices must be submitted via one of the two certified service providers or through an approved interconnect. These intermediaries are responsible for delivering invoices to the federal finance administration (EFV). Supported formats include UBL 2.1 and UN/CEFACT CII, aligned to the eCH-0069/swissDIGIN content standard.

Cantons and municipalities may introduce their own e-invoicing measures, but outside the federal level adoption remains voluntary and decentralised.

FAQs

Who is affected by Switzerland’s e-invoicing mandate?
All suppliers to the Swiss federal administration with contracts of CHF 5,000 or more must issue e-invoices. This applies to both domestic and international suppliers.
How are invoices transmitted?
Suppliers must submit invoices via one of the two certified service providers or an approved interconnect. These intermediaries validate, route, and securely deliver the invoice to the federal finance administration (EFV). Direct submission via Peppol or email is not permitted.
What is the legal basis?
The obligation is defined in the ordinance on electronic invoicing to the federal administration (E-Rechnungsverordnung), which establishes the scope, formats, and delivery framework for B2G e-invoicing.
Is there an option for small or occasional suppliers?
Yes. A manual upload portal is available for low-volume suppliers, though it is not designed for automated or high-volume invoicing.
Do non-Swiss suppliers also need to comply?
Yes. International suppliers invoicing the Swiss federal administration must follow the same rules: routing through certified channels, using the prescribed XML formats, and including the required identifiers.

Country Specs

Mandate StatusMandatory
Model TypeInteroperability / Post-Audit
Government EntityFederal Finance Administration (EFV)
FormatsUBL 2.1, CII (Cross Industry Invoice)
Infrastructure / PlatformInvoices routed via two certified service providers or an approved interconnect to the EFV central receiving platform

E-signature RequiredNo
Key Deadlines1 January 2016: Mandatory B2G e-invoicing begins for contracts ≥ CHF 5,000

AR MandatoryYes. Suppliers to the federal administration must send e-invoices for contracts ≥ CHF 5,000.
AP MandatoryYes. All federal entities must be able to receive e-invoices.
Peppol AvailableYes
Domestic TransactionsMandatory for suppliers to the Federal Administration (goods and services)
Cross-border TransactionsApplies equally to international suppliers invoicing the Federal Administration.
Archiving Period10 years
Archiving AbroadYes, provided records remain accessible to Swiss authorities on request.

Contact an expert

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