What is Peppol?

The official explanation compares Peppol to a telecoms network: anyone connected to it can send documents directly to, and receive them from, anyone else who is connected, whatever software each side uses.

How does Peppol work?

Peppol is a set of agreements and an open network. It makes sure different systems can easily exchange structured documents, such as the electronic invoice. Every participant must at least be able to receive the “Peppol BIS” document type, an application of the European standard EN 16931.

You don’t connect directly. That happens through a Peppol service provider, also called an “Access Point”. The provider connects businesses to the network, encrypts the communication and makes sure documents follow the right standard. In practice, this provider sits behind your invoicing or accounting software.

Why does Belgium use Peppol?

Since 1 January 2026, all VAT-registered businesses in Belgium must send each other structured e-invoices. These are exchanged through Peppol, a decentralised network: your software makes a secure connection to the network, which your customer or supplier is also connected to. The government doesn’t offer a central application itself; you choose your own software.

What’s the difference from a PDF?

A PDF looks like an invoice, but your customer’s software can’t read it automatically. An e-invoice through Peppol is a structured file: amounts, VAT and details are in fixed places, so your customer’s accounting can process them straight away. Want to read such a file like a normal invoice anyway? Then use our e-invoice viewer.

What is my address on Peppol?

Your Peppol ID: in Belgium, your enterprise number with the code 0208 in front of it. Read more in Where do I find my Peppol ID?.