What is Peppol? Understanding the Peppol Network and Its Benefits

In today’s digital economy, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has become essential for businesses and public administrations worldwide. Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is a standardized framework that facilitates secure and efficient cross-border e-invoicing.

But what exactly is Peppol, how does it work, and why is it crucial for modern businesses? This guide explores Peppol’s role in e-invoicing, its benefits, and how companies can integrate it into their operations.

Do you want to know more about this digital revolution? Read on and we’ll tell you all about it.

What is Peppol?

Peppol is an international e-invoicing network that enables companies around the world to exchange electronic documents securely – such as invoices and purchase order-, easily and according to a common standard, adapted to the needs of each country.

With recent legal advancements, businesses of all sizes must equip themselves with the necessary tools to facilitate a more automated approach to data processing. Peppol plays a key role in this transformation, enabling companies worldwide to send and receive electronic invoices quickly, securely, and in a standardized format.

Moreover, behind Peppol stands the OpenPeppol Association, a non-profit organization that includes both public and private sector members. Its primary mission is to enable secure and standardized electronic transactions between European businesses and public sector entities during procurement processes. For more details on its governance and initiatives, visit the OpenPeppol website.

A Brief History of Peppol

Peppol was established as part of an initiative by the European Commission in 2008 to simplify cross-border procurement processes among EU member states. Originally designed to facilitate seamless electronic document exchange between public entities and suppliers, Peppol has since evolved into a global e-invoicing network widely used in both the public and private sectors.

How does Peppol work? 

Peppol operates through a four-corner model, ensuring seamless document exchange between senders and recipients:

  1. Corner 1 “Sender” (Company A): Issues an invoice in Peppol’s standardized format.
  2. Corner 2 “Sender’s Peppol Access Point” (AP): Converts and sends the invoice through the Peppol network.
  3. Corner 3 “Recipient’s Peppol Access Point (AP)”: Receives and processes the invoice.
  4. Corner 4 “Recipient” (Company B or Public Entity): Accepts and integrates the invoice into its financial system

Peppol operates on the principle that any company registered in its secure network can communicate with any other company, regardless of location. This model eliminates interoperability issues and ensures seamless data exchange between different e-invoicing systems.

What is a Peppol Access Point?

Peppol Access Points are spaces where a Peppol service provider registers those companies (participants) that want to operate through this network and exchange electronic documents with other companies. In addition, the capabilities of documents and communications they can handle, that each company must have within this environment are also managed.

Other interesting points about how it works:

• To access Peppol, companies must register with a certified Access Point, which guarantees security and compliance with internal rules.
• The sender and receiver can use the same Peppol Access Point or a different one at their convenience

Key features of Peppol

  • Standardized e-invoicing format: Ensures compatibility across different accounting and ERP systems.
  • Secure and trusted exchange: Uses certified Peppol Access Points to connect businesses and public administrations.
  • Global adoption: Used in Europe, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and beyond.
  • Regulatory compliance: Helps businesses adhere to government-mandated e-invoicing regulations

Benefits of using Peppol for E-Invoincing

01. Compliance with E-Invoicing regulations

Many countries have made e-invoicing mandatory for public procurement and business transactions. Peppol ensures compliance with regulations such as:

– European Directive 2014/55/EU (mandatory e-invoicing for public sector contracts in the EU)

– Australia’s Peppol Authority e-Invoicing initiative

– Singapore’s nationwide e-invoicing network

02. Cost and time savings

By automating invoice exchange, Peppol reduces the costs associated with paper-based invoicing, manual data entry, and processing errors. Businesses can significantly cut administrative expenses and accelerate payment cycles.

03. Enhanced security and fraud prevention

Peppol transactions occur within a controlled and authenticated network, reducing the risk of invoice fraud, unauthorized alterations, and duplicate payment

04. Improved efficiency and interoperability

Peppol eliminates the need for multiple invoicing formats, enabling businesses to send and receive invoices seamlessly, regardless of the software they use.

How can you implement Peppol E-Invoicing in your business?

If your organization is considering implementing Peppol e-invoicing, we recommend referring to our detailed guide on this subject, where you will find a comprehensive process tailored for businesses of all sizes.

Below is an overview of the key steps involved:

Step 1: Select a certified Peppol Access Point provider

To connect to the Peppol network, businesses must engage with a certified Peppol Access Point provider, such as B2Brouter. These providers facilitate the secure exchange of electronic invoices and procurement documents, ensuring seamless compliance with Peppol standards.


Step 2: Integrate Peppol with your accounting system

Most ERP and accounting software platforms now support Peppol e-invoicing integration. Businesses should ensure their financial systems are compatible and properly configured to process Peppol-compliant invoices.

If you are unsure about how to integrate your accounting system with Peppol and require professional assistance, our team is here to help. Contact us for expert guidance throughout the implementation process.

For Small and Medium Enterprises: Easy Peppol compliance without an accounting system

If your company does not yet have an accounting system but still needs to comply with Peppol standardization, the process remains simple. You only need to register with B2Brouter’s Peppol Access Point, which enables you to securely send invoices in compliance with Peppol standards.

This solution allows small businesses and SMEs to adopt e-invoicing efficiently without requiring a complex financial system.

Step 3: Start Sending and Receiving Peppol-Compliant Invoices

Once connected to the Peppol network, businesses can effortlessly issue and receive Peppol e-invoices, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and enhanced security in financial transactions.

Best Practices for Optimizing Peppol E-Invoicing Implementation

  • Ensure your Peppol Access Point provider is certified and compliant with local regulations.
  • Use Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 format for compatibility and accuracy, which is the standard developed by the European norm that allows companies from different countries of the European Union to exchange invoices without problems.
  • Use Peppol PINT which is the standard that allows the exchange of electronic invoices between countries around the world. For example, between an EU country and Japan.
  • Train your finance team on Peppol integration to maximize efficiency.
  • Regularly update your systems to stay compliant with evolving e-invoicing regulations.

Which countries have already implemented Peppol?

European Union countries began implementing electronic invoicing regulations through Peppol. Due to its success, the system has gradually expanded worldwide, reaching countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Over time, more nations are expected to adopt Peppol, which is a significant advantage for global businesses, as it facilitates seamless connectivity and interoperability.

What is Peppol Authority?

Electronic invoicing through Peppol is being adopted globally. Countries that choose to integrate Peppol processes and standards into their e-invoicing regulations must establish a Peppol Authority.

The Peppol Authority is a government-appointed body responsible for regulating and ensuring compliance with the use of the Peppol network, as mandated by local regulations. It oversees the implementation of local requirements, manages participants within the country, and ensures interoperability. Some examples of countries with an established Peppol Authority include:

As you can see, Peppol has revolutionized e-invoicing by providing a standardized, secure, and efficient solution for businesses and public administrations worldwide. Implementing Peppol e-invoicing ensures regulatory compliance, reduces costs, enhances security, and improves interoperability. Businesses looking to streamline their invoicing processes should strongly consider integrating Peppol into their financial operations.

Get started the easy way with B2Brouter

At B2Brouter, we are committed to progress and to offer quality technologies to our customers. Access Peppol easily, free (national sending) and securely with B2Brouter, one of the first certified Peppol Access Points.

With our solution, you can manage your Peppol e-invoices and electronic documents from the online application. Or you can integrate your management system or ERP to automate all the processes of issuing and receiving, as well as the exchange of status changes of your invoices and other documents.

Connect with companies around the world thanks to B2Brouter.

Manage your electronic invoice for free through Peppol!