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🇧🇯 Benin - E-Invoicing Specifications (e-MECeF)

Status: 🟢 Mandatory | Active since 2020 Authority: DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts) Platform: e-MECeF (Système dématérialisé des Machines Électroniques Certifiées de Facturation)

1. Context & Overview

Benin implemented mandatory e-invoicing ("facture normalisée") in 2020. All VAT-registered businesses must send electronic invoices through the e-MECeF system managed by the DGI.

DateScopeObligation
2020All VAT businessesMandatory e-invoicing
OngoingContinuousReal-time transmission

2. Technical Requirements

Platform

  • e-MECeF System
  • Certified Electronic Billing Machines
  • API integration for ERP systems

Format Requirements

  • National e-invoice XML schema
  • Certified device or software
  • Digital signature (when required)

3. Key Requirements

  • RCCM (Registre du Commerce et du Crédit Mobilier)
  • NIF (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale)
  • Certified e-invoicing machine/software
  • e-MECeF API connection
  • Real-time invoice transmission

4. Business Model

  • Clearance Model: Invoices validated through e-MECeF
  • Fiscal Devices: Certified machines required for most businesses
  • Real-time transaction reporting

5. Resources

  • DGI: Impots.bj
  • e-MECeF Portal: DGI-provided platform

Note

Benin's system uses certified electronic billing machines (similar to fiscal devices in other African countries) rather than pure B2B e-invoicing.