Wholesalers Brace for Electronic Invoicing, Revised Packaging Rules, and Fiscal Pressures Ahead of PLF 2026

Wholesalers Brace For Turbulent Year, Launch Grievance Manifesto

Paris, France – A leading Confederation representing French wholesalers is preparing for a challenging 2026, outlining a series of critical issues and a steadfast strategy to advocate for the sector’s interests.the institution, led by Stéphane Antiglio, has published a detailed manifesto addressing upcoming regulatory changes and economic pressures, intended for presentation to local officials.

Key Challenges Facing Wholesale Businesses

Antiglio has emphasized the significant national and European hurdles confronting wholesalers, with a particular focus on several key areas. These include the impending implementation of electronic invoicing, evolving regulations concerning packaging waste, and the need for greater openness in remuneration practices.

Electronic Invoicing Mandate Looms

A nationwide electronic invoicing system is slated to take effect on September 1, 2026. This represents a substantial operational shift for many businesses, demanding adaptation and investment in new technologies. According to a recent study by the European Commission, the cost of implementing electronic invoicing can range from €2,000 to €10,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Packaging regulations Under Scrutiny

New regulations regarding industrial and commercial packaging, known as REP EIC, are also a major concern. The organization successfully advocated for a revised implementation date of July 1, 2026, pushing back the original January 1, 2026, timeline. This adjustment follows pressure from building trade federations who initially sought a further delay until January 2027.Proper waste management is,according to Statista,a growing €200 billion industry in Europe.

Demand for Remuneration Clarity

Wholesalers are also seeking increased clarity and fairness in remuneration structures. The goal is to ensure a pragmatic application of European directives while protecting the unique characteristics of wholesale trade. This push aims to safeguard profit margins and prevent unfair pricing pressures.

Simplifying Regulations and Tax Burdens

The confederation celebrated recent successes in simplifying economic regulations, specifically the removal of complex operating authorizations for logistics warehouses. Though, concerns remain regarding a recently passed finance law (PLF 2026) that is expected to increase the tax burden on businesses, reversing earlier positive steps. Antiglio specifically cited the failure to eliminate the CVAE surcharge on large company profits as a significant setback.

The Manifesto: A Call for action

In response to these challenges, the Confederation has released an eight-page manifesto detailing its grievances and proposed solutions. This document will be distributed to local elected officials in an effort to influence policy and advocate for the needs of the wholesale sector.

Key Grievances Summarized

Issue	Current Status/Concern	Confederation’s Position
Electronic Invoicing	Implementation September 1,2026	Advocating for support and resources for businesses to adapt.
REP EIC Packaging Regulations	Effective July 1, 2026 (revised from Jan 1, 2026)	Ensuring a smooth transition and reasonable implementation timelines.
Remuneration Transparency	Need for clear and fair pricing structures	Pushing for pragmatic application of EU directives.
PLF 2026 Tax Law	Increased tax burden on businesses	Lobbying for the removal of unfavorable tax provisions.

Antiglio concluded with a message of resilience, stating, “beaten frequently enough, beaten sometimes, beaten never!” This underscores the organization’s commitment to fiercely defending the interests of wholesalers and supporting their continued contribution to the French economy.

What steps can wholesalers take now to prepare for the upcoming changes? And how will these regulatory shifts impact smaller businesses within the sector?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation!

What steps should wholesalers take to comply with the revised packaging regulations before PLF 2026?

Wholesalers Brace for Electronic Invoicing, Revised Packaging Rules, and Fiscal Pressures Ahead of PLF 2026

The approaching Packaging Logistics Forum (PLF) 2026 is casting a long shadow over the wholesale distribution sector. It’s not just a conference; it’s a marker for notable, interconnected changes impacting how wholesalers operate – from financial transactions to product presentation and, crucially, profitability. This year, three major forces are converging: the mandatory adoption of electronic invoicing, sweeping revisions to packaging regulations, and intensifying fiscal pressures. Let’s break down what wholesalers need to know, and how to prepare.

Electronic invoicing: The New Normal

The shift to electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) isn’t new, but 2026 represents a critical deadline for manny. Governments across Europe and beyond are pushing for standardized, digital invoicing systems to combat tax evasion, streamline VAT recovery, and improve overall clarity.

* Key Changes: Expect interoperability requirements. Systems must be able to communicate seamlessly with tax authorities and trading partners,nonetheless of the software used. Standardized data formats (like Peppol) are becoming essential.

* Impact on Wholesalers: This means upgrading accounting software, potentially investing in new integration tools, and retraining staff. Manual invoice processing will become a thing of the past.

* Benefits Beyond Compliance: E-invoicing offers significant advantages: reduced processing costs, faster payment cycles, fewer errors, and improved cash flow. Automation is key here.

* Real-World Example: Several Scandinavian countries have already implemented mandatory e-invoicing with demonstrable success in reducing VAT fraud and improving efficiency. Their experiences offer valuable lessons for wholesalers preparing for the transition.

Navigating the Revised Packaging Regulations

Sustainability is driving a radical overhaul of packaging rules.The focus is shifting from simply recycling to reducing packaging increasing the use of recycled content, and ensuring packaging is designed for circularity.

* Extended Producer Duty (EPR): EPR schemes are expanding, placing greater financial responsibility on producers (including wholesalers who re-package or brand products) for the end-of-life management of their packaging.

* Plastic Tax & Restrictions: Expect increased taxes on virgin plastics and further restrictions on single-use plastic packaging. Alternatives like biodegradable materials and reusable packaging are gaining traction.

* Packaging Design for Recyclability: Packaging must be designed to be easily sorted and recycled. This means avoiding mixed materials, using clear labeling, and minimizing the use of problematic plastics.

* The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): This regulation, currently under finalization, will have a massive impact. It sets ambitious targets for reducing packaging waste and increasing recycled content. wholesalers need to be aware of its specific requirements.

Fiscal Pressures: A Tightening Economic Landscape

Wholesalers are facing a confluence of economic headwinds. Inflation, rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased labour costs are all squeezing margins.

* Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management is more critical than ever. Overstocking ties up capital, while stockouts lead to lost sales. Utilizing demand forecasting tools and optimizing warehouse operations are essential.

* Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying suppliers and building stronger relationships with key partners can mitigate the risk of disruptions. Nearshoring and reshoring are also gaining popularity.

* Pricing Strategies: Wholesalers need to carefully review their pricing strategies to balance profitability with competitiveness. Value-added services and differentiated offerings can justify higher prices.

* Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption can lower operating costs and improve sustainability. Investing in energy-efficient equipment and implementing energy management systems can yield significant savings.

* Case Study: The Automotive Parts Sector: Automotive parts wholesalers, heavily reliant on complex supply chains, have been proactively investing in digital supply chain visibility tools to anticipate and mitigate disruptions. This has allowed them to maintain service levels despite ongoing challenges.

Preparing for PLF 2026: Actionable Steps

Don’t wait until the last minute. Proactive readiness is key to navigating these changes successfully.

1. Assess Your Current Systems: evaluate your accounting software, packaging processes, and supply chain infrastructure. Identify gaps and areas for improvement.
2. Invest in Technology: Upgrade your systems to support e-invoicing,track packaging data,and optimize inventory management.
3. Train Your Staff: Ensure your employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the new regulations and technologies.
4. Collaborate with Suppliers & Customers: Work with your trading partners to ensure seamless integration and compliance.
5. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in regulations and industry best practices. PLF 2026 will be a crucial event for gathering facts and networking with peers.

Benefits of Early Adoption

While these changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities. Wholesalers who embrace these changes proactively can gain a competitive advantage.

* Reduced Costs: Automation and efficiency gains can lower operating costs.

* Improved Efficiency: Streamlined processes and better data visibility can improve efficiency.

* enhanced Sustainability: Reducing packaging waste and improving sustainability can enhance your brand reputation.

* Increased Profitability: Optimizing pricing and managing costs can increase profitability.

* Stronger Customer Relationships: Providing excellent service and meeting customer expectations can strengthen relationships.

Practical Tips for Packaging Compliance

* Conduct a Packaging Audit: Identify all packaging materials used and assess their recyclability.