Compare · Peppol vs Factur-X
Peppol vs Factur-X: Network vs Format Comparison
Peppol is a document exchange network, while Factur-X is a file format. They solve different problems and can work together—you can convert a Factur-X invoice to Peppol BIS format and send it via the Peppol network.
TL;DR
Peppol: a four-corner delivery network using UBL-based Peppol BIS 3.0 — requires an Access Point connection. Factur-X: a file format (PDF/A-3 + CII XML) you can exchange by any channel. They solve different problems and often work together in production pipelines.
| Feature | Peppol | Factur-X |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Network / Protocol | File Format |
| Technical | Document exchange infrastructure | PDF/A-3 with embedded XML |
| Format Used | Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (UBL) | UN/CEFACT CII |
| Human Readable | No (XML only) | Yes (PDF) |
| Primary Use | Belgium, Nordic, NL, UK | France, Germany |
| Requires Connection | Yes (Access Point) | No (just file exchange) |
| EN 16931 Compliant | Yes | Yes (profile EN 16931) |
Peppol is a four-corner document exchange network connecting 300,000+ organizations across 40+ countries. You connect via a certified Access Point and exchange Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (UBL) documents with guaranteed delivery and non-repudiation.
Factur-X is a hybrid invoice file format — a PDF/A-3 with embedded UN/CEFACT CII XML. Technically identical to ZUGFeRD. It travels by any channel (email, SFTP, API) and gives recipients both a visual PDF and machine-readable structured data in one file.
Network vs Format
Peppol is infrastructure—it's how documents get delivered. You need an Access Point to connect.
Factur-X is a file format—it's what the document looks like. You can email it, upload it, or convert it to other formats.
They're not competitors—they solve different problems.
Geographic Focus
Peppol is strong in Belgium, Netherlands, Nordic countries, and UK. Belgium mandates it for all B2B from 2026.
Factur-X is dominant in France and Germany (as ZUGFeRD). France's mandate specifically mentions Factur-X as an accepted format.
Peppol
- Sending invoices to Belgian businesses (mandatory 2026)
- Trading with Nordic countries or UK
- Need guaranteed delivery with confirmation
- Want one connection for all customers on the network
- Your ERP has Peppol integration
Factur-X
- Sending invoices to French businesses
- Need human-readable PDF version
- Recipients not on Peppol network
- Email-based invoice exchange
- Archive requirements need PDF
You can convert between formats as needed:
- Factur-X XML can be converted to Peppol BIS UBL
- Peppol BIS invoices can be embedded into PDF for Factur-X
- Both are EN 16931-compliant, so data maps cleanly
Many Access Points and platforms handle conversion automatically.
Check compliance with Peppol BIS or Factur-X requirements.
Checking is free. The first verified download every 30 days is free. After that €1.90 per invoice, or €9 a month for all of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I send Factur-X via Peppol?
- Not directly—Peppol uses its own format (Peppol BIS). But the data can be converted. Many Access Points convert Factur-X to Peppol format automatically.
- Which does France require?
- France accepts UBL, CII, and Factur-X via PPF or PDP platforms. Factur-X is most common, but Peppol BIS (converted) also works.
- Which does Belgium require?
- Belgium mandates Peppol BIS 3.0 format via the Peppol network from January 2026. Factur-X would need conversion.