With the UAE moving towards a Peppol-based eInvoicing framework, Accredited Service Provider (ASP) certification is crucial for ensuring compliance and seamless integration.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has started with the accreditation process and launched a dedicated space on their portal which can be accessed here(Accreditation of eInvoicing Service Providers – Ministry of Finance – United Arab Emirates).

The broad steps to the accreditation process includes:

• Application Submission: start with the application, filling all the required fields and uploading the required documents to substantiate the information.
• Pre-approval Testing: amongst other requirements, an ASP needs to meet security, data integrity and confidentiality requirements. They will also be required to conduct interoperability test to ensure compatibility.
• Production Trial Run: the eInvoicing solution needs to undergo a trial run with a real-world environment to assess the functionality, performance, around other tests.
• Pre-approval Certification: based on the testing, a pre-approval certification would be then given by the MoF for the eInvoicing solution.
• Tax Data Reporting testing: ASPs would be required to validate the systems and data to ensure compliance with the FTAs requirement for electronic eInvoicing.
• Final Accreditation Certification: obtain official ASP status to serve taxpayers and facilitate compliant eInvoicing.

As part of the stages above are several conditions which we think are worth noting.  These include the service provider:

• Being an active Peppol-certified service provider and has completed the OpenPeppol conformance tests
• Having a minimum of 2 years of experience in the operation and management of and electronic invoicing system
• Meeting registration conditions around paid up capital, corporate tax registration, etc.
• Being compliant with the Peppol service provider product information security requirements
• Meeting the self-declaration condition and insurance requirements.

As a taxpayer, how does it impact me?

With the accreditation process underway, MoF/FTA remain committed to the July 2026 go-live timeline.

The accreditation framework for ASPs is notably more rigorous than those implemented in many other jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for early and strategic preparation. Taxpayers having a conversation with vendors should be asking some of the same questions as MoF/FTA, to make their own judgments about the vendors’ readiness for the accreditation process.

Whilst larger organisations will have an eInvoicing provider in other countries, the UAE’s specific requirements may necessitate engaging with a different vendor- particularly in cases where existing providers lack experience in Peppol-adopting countries.

Given the time required for ASP accreditation, businesses should leverage this preparatory phase to align internal processes and enhance readiness. Drawing from our experience in other jurisdictions, we recommend taxpayers undertake the following key steps:

• review the master data to ensure accuracy and completeness, as eInvoicing relies heavily on standardised data
• start engaging with the customers/ suppliers to check on their eInvoicing readiness.
• look out for the list of certified ASPs that would be published by the MoF to select the vendor that best aligns with the organisation’s operational and compliance requirements.

As the UAE accelerates its digital transformation, ASP certification will be pivotal in shaping a compliant and efficient eInvoicing ecosystem.

We at Dhruva Consultants, provide expert guidance, comprehensive implementation support, and tailored solutions to ensure a seamless transition to eInvoicing. Our team is committed to helping businesses achieve compliance and operational efficiency in alignment with UAE regulatory requirements.

For a strategic discussion on your organisation’s eInvoicing readiness, reach out to us today.