2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States shall, not later than 18 months after the publication of the reference of the European standard on electronic invoicing in the Official Journal of the European Union, adopt, publish and apply the provisions necessary to comply with the obligation contained in Article 7 to receive and process electronic invoices.
Member States may postpone the application referred to in the first subparagraph with regard to their sub-central contracting authorities and contracting entities until 30 months after publication of the reference of the European standard on electronic invoicing in the Official Journal of the European Union at the latest.
Upon publication of the reference to the European standard on electronic invoicing, the Commission shall publish in the Official Journal of the European Union the final date for the bringing into force of the measures referred to in the first subparagraph.