PEPPOL is now mandatory in Belgium: what freelancers and small businesses need to know

If you work for yourself or run a small business in Belgium (consultant, hairdresser, baker, garage owner, car dealer, shopkeeper, or anything in between), PEPPOL is no longer optional for B2B. Since 2026, electronic invoicing via PEPPOL is mandatory for all B2B transactions between Belgian businesses — including VAT-exempt ones. But what exactly is PEPPOL, and how do you get started without stress?

What is PEPPOL?

PEPPOL is a European network for sending and receiving invoices digitally in a standardised way. Think of email, but specifically for invoices, with reliable delivery and compliance built in.

Who does it affect?

All Belgian businesses that invoice other Belgian companies — including VAT-exempt ones. Not only government, but every business: from one-person freelancers to local trades and retail. Invoicing another company as a supplier or service provider? You must use PEPPOL.

Sending and receiving

The obligation works both ways. You must not only be able to send invoices via PEPPOL; you must also be reachable on the PEPPOL network to receive invoices. That means every Belgian business needs a PEPPOL address.

No B2B clients yet but want to be reachable already? With the PepCerto Receiver plan you are active on the PEPPOL network right away, without paying for features you do not need yet.

How do you get started?

You need a PEPPOL access point and software that handles sending and receiving for you. With a tool like PepCerto you send your first PEPPOL invoice within minutes, no IT knowledge needed.

Do not wait until the last minute. Getting set up is often faster than you think.