What is Peppol?

Peppol operates on a "four-corner model":

1. You (Sender) create an invoice in your accounting software
2. Your Access Point validates the invoice and sends it via Peppol
3. Recipient's Access Point receives the invoice
4. Recipient imports the invoice into their system

You never need to know which software your customer uses—Peppol handles the translation.

What's an Access Point?

An Access Point is a certified service provider that connects you to the Peppol network. Think of it like an internet service provider, but for business documents. Access Points validate your documents before sending, handle secure transmission, and ensure delivery confirmation.

Peppol IDs: Your Network Address

Every participant on Peppol has a unique identifier—like an email address, but for invoices. This is your Peppol ID (also called Peppol Participant Identifier).

Format: {scheme}:{identifier}

Examples:

• 0106:12345678 (Belgian enterprise number)
• 0088:1234567890123 (GLN number)
• 9915:DE123456789 (German VAT number)

1. It's Becoming Mandatory

Multiple EU countries are mandating Peppol for e-invoicing:

• Belgium: All B2B transactions from January 1, 2026
• Poland: All B2B via KSeF from February/April 2026
• Germany: B2G already required, B2B phasing in 2025-2028
• Netherlands: B2G already required

2. It Eliminates Invoice Chaos

Without Peppol, you send PDF to customer A via email, upload XML to customer B's portal, use EDI for customer C, and paper for customer D. With Peppol, you send all invoices the same way—one connection, all customers.

3. It Reduces Costs and Errors

Studies show Peppol e-invoicing reduces processing costs by 60-80%, payment delays by 30%, and manual errors by 90%.

Step 1: Choose an Access Point

Select a Peppol-certified Access Point based on your country, volume, and integration options (API, email, portal). Popular providers include Storecove, Qvalia, and Basware.

Step 2: Register Your Peppol ID

Your Access Point will help you register on the network. You'll need your business registration number, contact details, and receiving capability confirmation.

Step 3: Start Receiving (Then Sending)

Most businesses start by receiving Peppol invoices, then add sending capability. This is also how many mandates work—receiving is required first.