Safe and efficient invoicing via the Peppol network
Peppol is an international network for the exchange of electronic invoices between companies (B2B), as well as with public authorities (B2G).
Once all parties are connected to Peppol, invoicing becomes automatic, reliable and error-free. You can compare it to a telecom network, but for digital documents: it ensures invoices are delivered securely, accurately and in a standardised format, directly from system to system.
Questions about e-invoicing?
Visit the federal government’s webpage.
The legislation on Peppol
The Belgian Parliament has approved the new legislation on e-invoicing. This new law will come into force on 1 January 2026 with a “Big Bang” approach – meaning no phased rollout, as was previously assumed.
Who is it for?
The law will apply to all invoicing between businesses established in Belgium, with some exceptions. It specifically applies to B2B invoicing.
What does it mean?
Affected companies will be obliged to use the “Structured Electronic Invoice” (SEI). These SEI invoices must comply with the European Norm (EN 16931-1:2017+A1:2019). From 1 January 2026 onwards, businesses must be able to both send and receive these SEI invoices
How will it work?
The selected format is PeppolBIS v3, with the Peppol Network as the standard. A different format may be used if both parties agree, as long as it still complies with the European Norm.
GS1 EDI formats as a dual approach
Harmonised Order To Cash, also known as HO2C v3 (UN/EDIFACT D01B EAN11), the GS1 Belgilux EDI standard, complies with the European Norm and can still be used temporarily as an alternative - provided there is explicit mutual agreement between the parties. However, this legislation is only the first step: a broader electronic reporting system is expected to follow at a later, yet-to-be-determined date. At that point, all alternatives are expected to disappear, and everyone will be required to switch to Peppol.
What role plays GS1 regarding Peppol?
GS1 Belgilux is part of the European working group “CEN/TC 434/WG 1 Core semantic data model,” which has been revising and updating this European Norm to make it more B2B-compliant. All the requirements of FMCG/Retail were included in this process. The revision, comprising around 30 changes and additions, has been submitted to Europe for a vote and will gain legal force after publication, which is expected in the autumn of 2025.