What is the TEIF format (Tunisian Electronic Invoice Format)?
The TEIF format (Tunisian Electronic Invoice Format) is the official Tunisian standard for electronic invoicing, defined by Tunisian tax regulations. It is a structured XML file format that contains all mandatory invoice information according to technical specifications established by Tunisian authorities. The TEIF format enables automated electronic exchange of invoices between businesses and with the Tunisian tax administration, facilitating the dematerialization of invoicing processes.
Electronic signature (DIGIGO) and TTN / El Fatoora submission
An electronic signature is a certified digital signature applied to the TEIF invoice (XML) to guarantee: (1) Authenticity (the issuer is identified), (2) Integrity (the document has not been altered), and (3) Non-repudiation (the issuer cannot deny issuing it). In practice, you use a signing certificate (e.g. DIGIGO) and then submit the signed invoice via TunisieTradeNet (TTN) / El Fatoora according to the established procedures.
EL Fatoora Platform by TradeNet
EL Fatoora is the official electronic invoicing platform in Tunisia, provided by TradeNet (https://www.tradenet.com.tn). EL Fatoora is the national infrastructure that enables the exchange and transmission of electronic invoices in TEIF format between businesses and the Tunisian tax administration. The EL Fatoora platform facilitates the complete dematerialization of the invoicing process in Tunisia, allowing businesses to transmit their TEIF-compliant electronic invoices to their clients and the tax administration. Billown can generate TEIF-format invoices compatible with the EL Fatoora platform.
Legal Obligations for Electronic Invoicing in Tunisia
In Tunisia, businesses must comply with several legal obligations for electronic invoicing: (1) Generate invoices in TEIF-compliant format according to official technical specifications, (2) Electronically sign invoices (using a certificate) and submit signed documents via TunisieTradeNet (TTN) / El Fatoora, (3) Store electronic invoices for a minimum of 10 years according to tax regulations, (4) Transmit invoices to clients and the tax administration according to established procedures. Non-compliance with these obligations may result in tax penalties.
Billown: TEIF Electronic Invoicing Solution
Billown is an online electronic invoicing software (SaaS) that automatically generates TEIF-compliant invoices. The solution ensures compliance with TEIF technical specifications and regulatory obligations of the Tunisian tax administration. Billown validates the XML structure, integrates required fields, signs the invoice using a certificate (e.g. DIGIGO) and facilitates submission via TunisieTradeNet (TTN) / El Fatoora. Invoices generated by Billown are compatible with the EL Fatoora platform and are accepted by the Tunisian tax administration.