Japan

Provinces
General
Provinces
General
About
General
About
General
General
General
Regulated under the Qualified Invoice Issuing System (QIIS). Aligns with Japan’s consumption tax requirements and international e-invoicing standards.

Implementation of mandatory e-invoicing in Japan

Japan e-invoicing Japan introduced a new invoicing system to align with international standards and improve tax transparency:
  • In October 2023, the Qualified Invoicing System was launched. Only registered businesses can issue qualified invoices, which are required to claim input VAT deductions.
  • While e-invoicing is not yet fully mandatory, Japan has adopted the Peppol format as its national standard. The Japan Peppol Authority oversees compliance and network use.
  • A voluntary phase is ongoing, with broader adoption expected through 2026, especially for B2B transactions and public procurement.

Who needs e-invoices in Japan?

  • Registered Businesses: Must issue qualified invoices under QIIS to enable recipients to claim consumption tax credits.
  • Exporters: Required for cross-border transactions to ensure accurate tax reporting.
  • Non-Resident Businesses: Must comply with QIIS if registered for consumption tax purposes in Japan.
Ready to simplify e-invoicing and scale with confidence? Request a fee quote and discover a personalized solution that adapts to your workflow, supports PEPPOL and national systems, and grows with your business.

E-Invoicing vs. E-Billing

Aspect E-Invoicing E-Billing
Purpose Tax compliance under QIIS Informal or customerfocused transactions
Purpose Via certified systems Not validated
Archiving Required for 7 years Optional

Key features of Japan’s e-invoicing system

Japan’s e-invoicing system involves:
  • Submission via Certified Systems: Invoices must adhere to QIIS standards.
  • Validation: Ensures compliance with consumption tax regulations.
  • Archiving: Digital storage required for 7 years under Japanese tax laws.

E-invoicing dataset

E-invoices in Japan include the following critical data:
  • Issuer/Recipient IDs: Registration numbers under QIIS.
  • Invoice Details: Invoice number, issue date, and payment terms.
  • Goods and Services: Line-item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and subtotals.
  • Taxes: Applicable consumption tax rates and amounts.
  • Transaction Info: Total payable amount, currency, and payment method.
  • Digital Signature: Ensures authenticity and integrity of the invoice.

E-invoicing across transaction types

B2B Transactions:
  • Mandatory to ensure compliance with consumption tax regulations.
  • Facilitates accurate tax credit claims, streamlines recordkeeping, and audits.
B2C Transactions
  • Not mandatory but encouraged for transparency and internal efficiencies.
B2G Transactions:
  • Expected to align with international e-invoicing standards, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Penalties for non-compliance in Japan

Non-compliance with Japan’s e-invoicing regulations may result in:
  • Fines: Monetary penalties for non-compliance.
  • Loss of Tax Credits: Non-compliant invoices may result in ineligibility for tax credits.
  • Legal Risks: Repeated violations may lead to audits and reputational damage.
Stay ahead of the e-invoicing regulations with our easy-to-use platform. Book a free demo today and see how we can help you streamline your invoicing process while ensuring full compliance with Japan's e-invoicing laws.
April 15, 2025 226
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