What is Peppol? It is the network that e-invoices between businesses in Belgium travel on. You need no technical knowledge to use it, but a few concepts help. Therefore, we explain them below.
What is Peppol? Questions and answers on Peppol in Belgium
What is Peppol?
An international network with shared agreements for exchanging documents such as invoices securely. Compare it with telephony: you pick one operator, yet you can call anyone.
What is a service provider or Access Point?
A certified provider that connects you to the network. Moreover, it sends and receives your invoices. In most cases, this service is part of your accounting or invoicing software.
How do I register on Peppol?
Only through a service provider. Therefore, you cannot register directly with the government.
Which Peppol ID is used in Belgium?
The ID based on the enterprise number, with scheme 0208. After all, the Belgian Peppol rules require this.
How do I check whether a customer is on Peppol?
Search the Peppol Directory for the enterprise number with the prefix 0208, or use our Peppol checker. Note, however, that this only shows whether a business can receive, not whether it can send.
Do I have to use Peppol?
Yes, because Peppol is the default channel. Another channel is only allowed when both parties agree and the invoice meets the European standard.
Who governs Peppol in Belgium?
Today the Federal Public Service BOSA is the Belgian Peppol Authority; from 2027 the Federal Public Service Finance takes over that role. In addition, a Business Expert Group with government and industry works out practical agreements.
How long does it take for an invoice to arrive?
Usually, it takes a few minutes to a few hours. If an invoice has not arrived after more than one working day, contact your service provider.
Useful tools
- Peppol checker: is a company on Peppol?
- E-invoice validator: check your XML
- Is it mandatory for me? Take the test
Source: This page summarises the official FAQ of the Belgian Federal Public Service Finance in our own words. The official text always prevails: FPS Finance, e-invoicing website. This is not legal advice.