E-Invoicing in Singapore [2023 Requirements]

Singapore is on the Road to E‑invoicing

Singapore was one of the pioneers in the field of e-invoicing in the ASEAN region and introduced the obligation to use electronic document exchange in 2018. Since then, it has been a rule in B2G relations that government authorities exchange e-invoices with private companies via Peppol network.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) established in 2019, which was the first accredited Peppol Authority operating outside Europe, intends to digitize and promote electronic invoicing in Singapore. In order to reduce errors, time spent processing invoices and payments, IMDA has created a nationwide network for e-invoicing - InvocieNow and promotes the adoption of electronic invoicing in the private sector.

Who is obliged to use e‑Invoicing in Singapore

E-invoicing for B2B and B2G is not mandatory in Singapore at any level. However, it is strongly recommended by IMDA for both uses.

Invoices issued via InvoiceNow are valid documents for tax purposes.

What is the required format of an e-invoice

Singaporean IMDA authority maintains a nationwide network under the name InvoiceNow. E-invoices are exchanged based on the PEPPOL interoperability framework. The accepted format is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0

In addition to serving domestic purposes, the network allows transacting with entities participating in the broader Peppol Network. Furthermore, it is designed to complement existing EDI through straightforward integration.

How integrity and authenticity may be ensured?

Integrity and authenticity must be ensured. An Advanced Electronic Signature can be used to meet these requirements.

Singapore-based entities with valid UEN (Unique Entity Number) must also obtain CorpPass KYC certification before using InvoiceNow. This requirement does not apply to foreign entities with or without UEN.