What is Peppol?

Pan-European Public Procurement Online

Peppol is an open network dedicated to securely transmitting a range of digital business documents, with a strong emphasis on invoices. Created through funding from the European Commission and 18 governmental entities, from May 2008 to August 2012, its main objective is to simplify purchasing, payments, and interactions between public, private, and supplier sectors. 

While initiated with the European Commission, Peppol's influence now extends globally. As it gains prominence as the go-to platform for invoice exchange, it's becoming the anticipated industry standard to exchange documents across borders.

At its core, Peppol prioritizes standardized communication. The network ensures seamless document exchange by adopting shared standards and protocols. This enables effortless information sharing without the need for complex data translation or system adaptation.

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Who's Using Peppol?

As of now, 38 countries have OpenPeppol members. This widespread membership means businesses in these nations can effortlessly exchange documents across borders. While many European nations, including Belgium, Germany, France, and the UK, have embraced Peppol, it has also found takers in countries outside Europe, such as Singapore and Australia.

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How does the Peppol network operate?

Peppol operates through certified access points, which act as bridges between senders and receivers of electronic documents. Companies participating in the Peppol network can send and receive documents securely through these access points. The network provides a secure environment in which data is verified, validated and exchanged without security compromises.

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Making the most of Peppol

Belgium’s recent announcement that e-invoicing will become mandatory for all companies by Januari 1, 2026 underscores the shifting landscape of financial transactions in Europe. Leveraging networks like Peppol ensures a standardized and efficient approach, which businesses must adapt to. As we’ll explore the multifaceted realm of Peppol in our blog series, it's evident that the network's advantages align perfectly with the objectives of this new Belgian mandate. Firms that anticipate this change and proactively transition will not only meet compliance but also unlock unparalleled efficiencies in their operations. 

Unifiedpost, a certified Peppol Access Point, stands ready to guide businesses through this transformation, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and compliant integration into the future of invoicing. Take a look at our solutions for your outbound and inbound needs.

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