#Japan #Utsunomiya #TKC #Peppol E-Invoice #DATEV

TKC and DATEV's Transition to Peppol E-Invoices

On December 12, 2023, TKC Co., Ltd., headquartered in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, successfully sent a Peppol E-Invoice to DATEV, a prominent German software house. This significant step confirms that DATEV received the invoice without issues. The two companies have been collaborating since their founding—both established in 1966 by tax professionals, seeking to enhance business quality through technology.

As mandated, by 2028, Germany will require the use of digital invoices (E-Invoices) for transactions. Furthermore, by 2030, this requirement will extend to cross-border transactions within the EU. Given Japan's active trade with EU countries, Japanese companies will likely face a similar mandate to utilize E-Invoices when dealing with European partners. Thus, TKC's proactive measures with DATEV aim to ensure smooth compliance with future regulations.

Background of Peppol E-Invoices

Both TKC and DATEV embarked on this journey to facilitate E-Invoice sending and receiving. Starting in July 2023, they analyzed previous invoicing data and formats used in each other's countries. Following this, a trial was conducted during the DATEV-TKC Meeting in October 2025, held in Utsunomiya City, where the cost was sent using the Peppol E-Invoice format, specifically the JP-PINT format as a Japanese standard.

Initially, the plan leaned toward sending invoices in the format of the receiving country. Nevertheless, Peppol mandates data verification based on the format. Thus, it became essential to craft the E-Invoice according to the receiver's specifications. For instance, to comply with Japanese regulations, DATEV would have had to insert a placeholder value for the proper qualified invoice issuer registration number, which they did not possess.

Given these stipulations, it was agreed that sending E-Invoices in the sender's format, while ensuring the receiver can correctly display and process those invoices, would be the best course of action.

Efforts in Customization and Future Planning

TKC undertook the task of adjusting country codes and currency codes to facilitate smooth communication. For example, changes included country codes from JP to DE and currency codes from JPY to EUR to meet Peppol standards.

Looking forward, TKC strives to embed these adjustments as core functionalities within their systems. They aim to support Japanese businesses in sending E-Invoices to international partners seamlessly. This development is a crucial component of adapting to the evolving landscape of digital transactions and ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations.

Participation in E-INVOICE EXCHANGE SUMMIT SINGAPORE

On a wider scale, TKC showcased its achievements at the E-INVOICE EXCHANGE SUMMIT held in Singapore from November 24 to 26, 2023. During the roundtable discussions, representatives from TKC shared insights about their access point's user data and sending records, which received commendation from international participants. This participation reflects TKC's commitment to not only succeed domestically but to pave avenues for international collaboration within the digital invoicing sphere.

Long-standing Partnership between TKC and DATEV

The relationship between TKC and DATEV extends over 53 years, rooted in a shared vision of enhancing tax consultancy through technological advancements. This partnership has persisted through annual meetings in spring and fall, where both organizations exchange insights and foster development in system enhancements. Established by founders who valued the integration of technology in accounting and consultancy, this collaboration signifies the important role that international partnerships play in navigating the complexities of modern trade and technology.

In conclusion, the transition to Peppol E-Invoices by TKC and DATEV not only marks a milestone for both companies but also heralds a significant shift in the landscape of digital commerce and regulatory compliance across borders.