All about Peppol ID: What it is, how to use it and its importance

The Peppol ID is a unique identifier that allows organizations to connect and communicate through the Peppol network. This network has emerged as a global standard that facilitates the secure and efficient exchange of electronic documents between businesses and governments worldwide. Here, we provide everything you need to know about this identifier.

What is Peppol?

Peppol, which stands for “Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine,” is an initiative that started in Europe and has since expanded globally. Its main objective is to standardize and simplify public procurement and e-invoicing processes, enabling businesses and public administrations to exchange business documents in a standardized format through an open and secure network. This network uses the UBL (Universal Business Language) format.

If you want to learn more, we tell you all about the Peppol network.

The role of Peppol ID

The Peppol ID is a unique number that identifies each participant within the Peppol network. It functions similarly to an email address or a phone number, ensuring that electronic documents, such as invoices, reach the correct recipient. This identifier is essential for ensuring precise and efficient communication between involved parties.

Peppol ID format

A typical Peppol ID consists of two parts:

Identification prefix: Indicates the type of business identification number used, such as a VAT number, a company registration number, or a GLN (Global Location Number).
Unique organization code: The specific number assigned to the company or organization.

For example, a Peppol ID might look like this: 0007:123456789, where 0007 is the prefix indicating the type of identification, and 123456789 is the organization’s unique number.

The importance of Peppol ID in e-invoicing

Adopting the Peppol ID offers multiple benefits:

Global interoperability: Allows businesses to send and receive e-invoices and other business documents with partners in different countries without worrying about technical incompatibilities.
Error reduction: By using a unique identifier, the risk of sending documents to the wrong recipient is minimized, a common issue with traditional methods like email.
Enhanced security: The Peppol network provides an additional layer of security, protecting sensitive information during transmission.

How to obtain a Peppol ID?

To integrate into the Peppol network and obtain a Peppol ID, companies must follow these steps:

Register with a Certified Peppol Access Point: These access points act as intermediaries, connecting businesses to the Peppol network. They provide the necessary services for sending and receiving Peppol invoices and other electronic documents.
Peppol ID assignment: Once registered, the access point assigns a unique Peppol ID to the company, based on its existing business identification number, such as a VAT number or a GLN.
Technical configuration: It is essential to identify this type of identifier in invoices, both for the sender and the recipient.

Challenges and solutions in Peppol ID implementation

While the Peppol network offers numerous advantages, some businesses may face challenges when adopting it:

Unrecognized Identifiers: Companies from countries that are not yet part of the Peppol authority or that have not implemented e-invoicing through Peppol may find that their business identifiers are not recognized on the network. In such cases, generic identifiers like GLN or DUNS must be used.
Managing Multiple Identifiers: Businesses must not only obtain their own Peppol ID but also collect and manage the Peppol IDs of their customers and suppliers to ensure effective communication.

Access Peppol with B2Brouter

To address these challenges, solutions like B2Brouter offer significant advantages. B2Brouter has a verified business directory that enables organizations to issue e-invoices seamlessly. This directory automatically provides the correct Peppol ID of clients, ensuring invoices are sent and recorded correctly.

Additionally, the participant directory allows you to search for companies registered with Peppol using their identifier, helping determine whether they are ready to send or receive electronic invoices through the network.

Not only that—create, send, receive, and manage Peppol invoices easily using the B2Brouter web application or by integrating your system with our platform.