Belgium introduces mandatory e-invoicing
Since 2023, the Belgian government is no longer accepting PDFs or paper invoices for public tenders. Instead, e-invoicing through the European PEPPOL network is mandatory for all B2G (business-to-government) transactions.
Belgium is now taking another step towards digitization by expanding the use of PEPPOL to B2B (business-to-business). In 2026, this obligation will be extended to B2B. Every invoice sent between businesses has to be sent on the PEPPOL network.
PEPPOL will play a crucial role in the digitization, making e-invoicing a seamless process for Belgian businesses. The network enables businesses to submit invoices through a standardized electronic format, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing efficiency in the invoice processing.
What is PEPPOL?
PEPPOL is the ‘Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line network’.
It’s an international e-invoicing network that enables businesses and government entities to exchange invoices electronically, without the need for manual intervention. The network supports multiple e-invoicing standards, ensuring that invoices can be exchanged between different countries, regardless of their individual systems and processes.
PEPPOL is currently used in 34 European countries by over 150.000 businesses.
The benefits of PEPPOL for your business
If the word ‘obligation’ deters you, don’t fear. PEPPOL is not only a way to improve the traceability of invoicing for the government. It actually offers many benefits to companies who are not yet sending invoices electronically in a standardized way.
The benefits of e-invoicing with PEPPOL:
- More efficient invoicing process
- Less manual interventions, resources and time to manage invoicing
- Reduction of errors and fraud
- More accurate financial records
- Secure and easy-to-use platform
- Real-time updates on invoice status
How to integrate PEPPOL and SAP
So, the big question many companies are asking (after this announcement): do we need to change our invoicing process?
If you’re an SAP user, the answer is: not really. Luckily, SAP has foreseen an easy integration with PEPPOL. Here’s how to do it in just two steps:
Step 1: Register with a certified PEPPOL Access Point
A PEPPOL Access Point is your connection to the PEPPOL network. There are currently about 300 Access Points around the world, and 34 of them are based in Belgium. You can request access to an Access Point through an official PEPPOL service provider, much like you would purchase a service from a telecom provider. Once you have an Access Point, you’ll be able to send and receive e-invoices to other Access Points. You can find the official list of PEPPOL service providers here.
Step 2: Configure your SAP system to support e-invoicing
To connect your SAP system with PEPPOL, you will need to configure your SAP system to support e-invoicing. SAP launched the PEPPOL Exchange Service in 2022. The service acts as an Access Point and allows you to automatically send e-invoices over the PEPPOL network within SAP.
Not sure how to configure the PEPPOL Exchange Service? Flexso can help you implement the connection to ensure a smooth and successful integration. Moreover, you’ll enjoy customized solutions to your company’s needs, and ongoing support. Count on Flexso to make your invoicing futureproof and comply to the upcoming Belgian e-invoicing regulations with ease.
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Need help integrating your SAP set-up with PEPPOL? Get in touch and we’d be happy to help!