Peppol e-invoicing is mandatory in Belgium: what to do now
In short: since 1 January 2026 all Belgian VAT-registered businesses must exchange structured electronic invoices with each other through the Peppol network. A PDF by e-mail is no longer enough. The general tolerance period of the first three months of 2026 has ended: fines are possible.
Who is covered?
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| You invoice other Belgian VAT-registered businesses | Mandatory: send and receive e-invoices via Peppol |
| You use the small business VAT exemption scheme | In principle also covered (confirmed by the FPS Finance in April 2026) |
| You invoice only consumers | Outgoing invoices don't need Peppol, but you must be able to receive e-invoices from your suppliers |
| You neither issue nor receive invoices from Belgian VAT-registered businesses | Not covered |
What is a Peppol invoice?
A structured XML file (in Belgium Peppol BIS Billing 3.0) that goes directly from the seller's software to the buyer's, through a certified Peppol service provider – usually built into accounting or invoicing software. Your customer is found by their Peppol ID, in Belgium usually 0208: followed by the enterprise number.
Is your customer on Peppol?
Enter their VAT number and see at once whether they can receive Peppol invoices and whether the VAT number is valid.
Look up Peppol ID →
Look up Peppol ID →
The tolerance period is over
- During the first three months of 2026 the FPS Finance did not fine businesses that had taken timely and reasonable steps. That period has ended.
- For self-billing a specific tolerance applied until 30 June 2026.
- In genuine technical problems the administration may exceptionally waive a fine after an individual analysis – not automatically.
Get compliant in 4 steps
- Choose software with Peppol – ask your accountant or invoicing software provider.
- Register on Peppol through that software so your suppliers can reach you.
- Check customer data: VAT numbers and Peppol IDs with our Peppol & VAT check.
- Read received XML with our free viewer or convert many at once to Excel.
Your software only produces PDF invoices?
Create a valid e-invoice for free with our form – checked against the official validation rules. AI import of PDF invoices is coming soon.
Create an e-invoice for free →
Create an e-invoice for free →
Sources: einvoice.belgium.be – articles on the 2026 obligation, the tolerance period and its end (7 April 2026). Factuurkit is not a Peppol service provider. This guide is not tax advice.