Skip to content
einvoiceconvert.com home
Belgium · EN
Other countries

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

In principle you may refuse the invoice, but commercially that isn't always straightforward. Ask your supplier to get in order. You keep your right to deduct VAT on an invoice issued in another way, and the supplier risks a penalty.

Last checked 25 October 20261 min readSources

Since 1 January 2026, Belgian VAT-registered businesses have to send each other structured e-invoices. If you still get a pdf or paper invoice from a Belgian supplier, these rules apply.

What can I do?

According to the official FAQ, you in principle have the right to refuse the invoice. Commercially, that isn’t always wise. The recommended approach:

  1. Ask your supplier whether they will get in order. They may already be on Peppol, with their software not yet sending correctly.
  2. In the meantime, accept an invoice in another way: on paper, or electronically if you agree to it.

It’s the supplier who risks a penalty.

Can I still deduct the VAT?

Yes. According to the official FAQ, you keep your right to deduct VAT on the basis of the invoice issued in another way, for example as a pdf or on paper.

Are you on Peppol yourself?

Important: even if your supplier isn’t ready yet, you yourself have to be able to receive e-invoices. Anyone who can’t risks an administrative fine. Check your own enterprise number with the Peppol check above. Not registered yet? Read How do I register my business on Peppol?.

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to accept a pdf invoice?
If the supplier invoices electronically in a way other than a structured e-invoice, you have to agree to it and you have to agree on a secure alternative.
Do I lose my VAT deduction without an e-invoice?
In principle you need a structured e-invoice. But if the substantive conditions are met, the deduction isn't refused (the 'substance over form' rule). According to the official FAQ, when a supplier isn't ready you keep your right to deduct on an invoice in another form.
And if I can't receive e-invoices myself?
Then you yourself risk an administrative fine. So make sure you're on Peppol, even if you don't invoice much yourself.

Related guides

My customer isn't on Peppol: what now?

Your customer can't receive e-invoices yet? Then you may send the invoice another way. How the fallback rule works, and what your customer has to do.

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.