Advancing E-Invoicing: Insights from HMRC’s Recent CATA Webinar

The CATA E-Invoicing Working Group recently held an insightful and well-attended webinar hosted by HMRC, bringing together members from across the Commonwealth to learn about HMRC’s E-Invoicing policy.

The session, delivered by HMRC Policy Lead’s Lily Duane and Anthony Groves, provided a valuable opportunity for members to hear directly from those at the heart of the UK’s e-invoicing policy development.

A practical look at policy development

A key strength of the webinar was its openness. Rather than presenting a finished model, HMRC shared their ongoing journey—how their e-invoicing programme is being shaped through collaboration, consultation, and continuous engagement with stakeholders.

Members heard how the UK is working toward the implementation of a mandatory e-invoicing framework for VAT, as part of a broader effort to modernise tax systems, improve efficiency, and support compliance.

What made this especially valuable was the emphasis on co-creation. HMRC highlighted how businesses, industry representatives, and other stakeholders are actively contributing to the design of the system through workshops, sector engagement, and policy testing. This approach ensures that the final model is both practical and adaptable to real-world needs.

For many CATA members, this provided not just insight into the UK’s direction of travel, but also a useful example of how policy can be developed in partnership with stakeholders—something that is highly relevant as jurisdictions across the Commonwealth explore their own e-invoicing strategies.

Supporting shared learning across CATA

The webinar forms part of CATA’s wider commitment to supporting knowledge exchange and peer learning among member administrations as they navigate digital transformation. E-invoicing continues to be a key priority area, offering clear benefits in improving compliance, enhancing data accuracy, and enabling more efficient tax administration. By creating opportunities for members to learn from each other’s experiences, these sessions help translate policy ambition into practical progress.

Appreciation for leadership and collaboration

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Leo Ferre, Chair of the E-Invoicing Working Group, for his continued leadership and commitment to fostering collaboration across the network. His guidance ensures that the Working Group remains focused, relevant, and responsive to members’ needs.

We also thank Lily and Anthony for sharing their expertise so openly and thoughtfully. Their contribution reflects the strong spirit of collaboration that underpins CATA’s work.

Looking ahead

As interest in e-invoicing grows across the Commonwealth, sessions like this play an important role in helping members move from awareness to action. The insights shared by HMRC will undoubtedly support countries as they consider how to design, implement, or refine their own approaches.

CATA will continue to build on this momentum through future webinars and initiatives, ensuring that members have access to practical insights, trusted expertise, and a platform for meaningful collaboration.