PEPPOL: What is it and why should you use it?

From 2020 it will be mandatory to provide data according to PEPPOL when you send invoices to European governments. With PEPPOL it is possible to send electronic invoices to companies and governments all over Europe in a secure way. Following governments, we notice that more and more companies ask for invoices via the PEPPOL network as this is much safer. This blog explains you more about what PEPPOL is and why you should use it.

What is PEPPOL?

PEPPOL stands for Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine. PEPPOL enables business across Europe to send transactional data to their business partners over the PEPPOL network. PEPPOL is owned and maintained by OpenPEPPOL, a non-profit international association established under Belgian law consisting of both public and private sector members.

With PEPPOL, you are enabled to exchange standards-based electronic documents over the PEPPOL network. PEPPOL is mostly used for E-Procurement by public authorities in the EU. PEPPOL or individual country-specific procedures are becoming more and more relevant for public sector suppliers.

Should you use PEPPOL?

The PEPPOL network proves to be safer than other E-Procurement solutions. This is the main reason that more and more businesses ask for e-invoices through the PEPPOL network. Because the use of PEPPOL is more secure governments are also increasingly asking for e-invoices through PEPPOL. As of April 2019, suppliers are obligated to send e-invoices to the Dutch government.

Next to security, PEPPOL has several other important benefits: 

  • PEPPOL covers the entire electronic procurement process.
  • Existing national systems and standards can be integrated.
  • PEPPOL allows the exchange with all partners registered in the PEPPOL network with only one connection.

PEPPOL and GS1

Just as OpenPEPPOL, GS1 has a vital role in enabling electronic business by providing a uniform data standard. Both organisations allow automated trading across organisations and borders by providing interoperability between systems, for the benefit of business, the public sector and citizens.

OpenPEPPOL and GS1 announced they established a deeper working relationship. Not only to share technical expertise but also to undertake joint activities where their respective services and solutions overlap.

How to use PEPPOL?

Not everyone can easily access the PEPPOL network. To get access and send invoices through the PEPPOL network, you need to have a PEPPOL ID. With this ID, companies and governments can automatically identify each other. Moreover, you need to register at a Peppol access point.

Do you want to know more about PEPPOL and how this fits with your EDI-system, or need help connecting to the PEPPOL network? Contact our consultants today.