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My customer isn't on Peppol: what now?

If your customer technically can't receive e-invoices yet, you don't have to issue an e-invoice. You then send the invoice on paper or electronically, for example as a pdf if your customer agrees. That invoice is legally valid. Your customer does have to get in order without delay.

Last checked 25 October 20261 min readSources

Since 1 January 2026, Belgian VAT-registered businesses have to send each other e-invoices. But what if your customer technically isn’t ready yet? There’s a fallback rule for that.

How do I know if my customer is ready?

Check your customer’s enterprise number in the Peppol check. If they’re not on Peppol, they can’t receive e-invoices yet.

What can I do then?

If your customer can’t receive an e-invoice for technical reasons, either themselves or through a service provider, you are not required to issue an e-invoice. You do have to issue an invoice:

  • on paper, or
  • electronically, for example as a Word or pdf document, if your customer agrees and you agree on a secure alternative.

That invoice is legally valid: it meets your invoicing obligation.

What does my customer have to do?

The fallback rule only helps the sender. The recipient still has to be able to receive e-invoices, and has to take the necessary steps without delay. Feel free to send your customer our guide How do I register my business on Peppol?.

Is it the other way round, and your supplier doesn’t send e-invoices? Then read My supplier doesn’t send e-invoices yet.

Read the full guide: Is e-invoicing mandatory for me?

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to send an e-invoice later after all?
No. Once your customer's system works, you don't have to send e-invoices retroactively.
Can I just email a pdf?
An electronic invoice in another form is only allowed if your customer agrees, and you have to agree on a secure alternative. A paper invoice is always possible.
Can I point it out to my customer?
Yes. You may voluntarily put a clause on the invoice encouraging your customer to get in order.
What does my customer risk?
A recipient has to be able to receive e-invoices. Anyone who can't risks a penalty.

Related guides

My supplier doesn't send e-invoices yet: what now?

Your supplier still sends a pdf or paper invoice? Where you stand, what you can do and whether you can still deduct your VAT.

How do I check if a company is on Peppol?

How to see whether a customer can receive e-invoices through Peppol, using only their enterprise number, and what to do if they're not on it yet.

Is there a delay for Peppol? The tolerance period explained

There's no general delay to the e-invoicing obligation. What the tolerance period meant, when it ended and what still applies now.

Sources

This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above. It is not legal or tax advice; for your own situation, ask your accountant or software provider.