Peppol Invoices: New Regulations for Invoices in Belgium from 2026

Introduction

In 2026, Belgian companies will see a significant change in how invoices are processed. All VAT-registered businesses will then be required to exchange their B2B invoices electronically via the Peppol network. This move towards full digitization of invoicing processes promises to significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of business transactions.

What is Peppol?

Peppol, which stands for Pan-European Public Procurement Online, is a standardized network that enables the exchange of electronic documents such as invoices, orders, and shipping notes between businesses and government agencies. This network is designed to ensure interoperability between different accounting systems and software platforms, allowing documents to be exchanged securely and reliably.

The Obligation Explained

This new legislation, which comes into effect on January 1, 2026, requires all businesses to exchange electronic invoices via the Peppol network for B2B transactions. This puts an end to sending paper invoices or unstructured invoices in formats such as PDF via email, which are less secure and more prone to errors.

The Benefits of Electronic Invoicing

Switching to electronic invoicing via Peppol offers several benefits:

• Security: Reducing the risk of fraud and errors.
• Speed: Invoices are processed and paid faster.
• Efficiency: Direct integration into existing accounting systems reduces administrative burdens and improves accounting accuracy.

Afosto as a Facilitator

Afosto offers advanced compatibility with the Peppol network. This helps customers easily comply with the new regulations. Afosto's platform is designed to integrate flexibly with various accounting systems and supports sending electronic invoices via Peppol.

Technical Implementation of Peppol

For the implementation of Peppol, it is necessary for companies to have software that is compatible with this network. Afosto assists companies with these technical requirements by providing a simple, plug-and-play solution that requires minimal adjustments to existing systems.

Support Measures and Software Selection

The Belgian government has introduced tax incentives to support the transition to digital invoicing. Afosto not only offers technical support but also advises on how companies can take advantage of these incentives to minimize the costs of the technical transition.

Conclusion

With the new requirements for electronically exchanging invoices via Peppol on the horizon, it is crucial for Belgian companies to be prepared for these changes. Afosto is ready to support companies through this transition, with a powerful software solution that ensures compliance and operational efficiency.