- What is Peppol?
- How does Peppol work?
- What is a Peppol service provider?
- What is a Peppol ID?
- How can I register my company on Peppol?
- As a contractor, can I check which customers and suppliers are connected to Peppol?
- Does the administration consult companies when it comes to practical implementation? What is the Business Expert Group on E-invoicing?
- Does the administration monitor the correct use of Peppol? Is there a Belgian Peppol Authority (PA)?
- I am registered on Hermes. What should I do?
You can find more information about Peppol on the FPS BOSA.
Peppol is a set of rules and an open network ensuring that systems can easily exchange structured documents (such as electronic invoices) with each other. Network participants should at least be able to receive the “Peppol-BIS” document type. Peppol-BIS is an application of standard EN16931.
The way Peppol works can be compared to a telecommunications network. You can directly receive and send documents to anyone connected to the network, via certified service providers (Peppol service providers).
3. What is a Peppol service provider?
A Peppol service provider connects companies and administrations to the Peppol network (which is why they are sometimes also called “Access Points”).
It enables the secure, rapid, error-free and large-scale exchange of standardised electronic documents, such as electronic invoices. The main tasks of a Peppol service provider are to:
- ensure compatibility: using open standards, such as UBL, to enable seamless communication between different systems
- secure data: encryption of communications so that documents are protected against unauthorised access
- optimise processes: automate document processing, thereby reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency
A Peppol ID is the number that identifies you on the Peppol network. This works like a telephone number in a telecommunications network. In Belgium, at least one company must be registered with a company number (from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises). This avoids having to individually ask all your customers for their Peppol ID. As a supplier, you are aware that you can deliver to the company number by default. Make sure the software applies the 'Peppol first' strategy. You can find more information on this subject on the website of the FPS BOSA. Other Peppol IDs (VAT number, IBAN, GLN, Duns ...) can be used additionally and on a voluntary basis, as long as the parties involved mutually agree on them.
5. How can I register my company on Peppol?
You cannot register directly on Peppol. This is only possible via an approved Peppol service provider. In practice, this is generally done via end-user software solutions, which are connected to the Peppol network. You can find the list of compliant solutions on this website. In some cases, your software supplier will let you choose the Access Point to connect to the Peppol network. In this case, you can contact a certified service provider.
6. As a contractor, can I check which customers and suppliers are connected to Peppol?
Via the Peppol Directoryyou can search by name and company number to find companies that can receive documents (such as invoices) via the Peppol network. To search by company number, enter “0208:[BCE no.]” (eg. : “0208:0308357159” (SPF Finances registration)). However, this tool does not indicate whether the organisation can also send documents via the Peppol network.
These questions are addressed in the following article: Business Expert Group : Overview- e-invoice. Here you can find a number of detailed examples of specific scenarios.
Each country that chooses for Peppol designates a Peppol Authority (PA). This authority is responsible for the promotion, distribution and correct use of Peppol. The Peppol Authority therefore has a role that is both critical and concrete. In Belgium, the FPS BOSA has taken on this role since 1 January 2016. You can find more information on peppol.be.
9. I am registered on Hermes. What should I do?
The Hermes solution was decommissioned on 17 December 2025.
This means it is no longer possible to send or receive documents via Hermes.
Still looking for a software solution? Read the article Software solutions for sending, receiving and processing electronic invoices - e-invoicing.