What is Peppol?
The best way to answer this question is to explain how Peppol works. This page explains how to send and receive invoices securely, structured and automatically via this international network.
Image tooltip:
Lien Verdickt
Lactation Consultant
Customer since 2025
Image tooltip:
Lien Verdickt
Lactation Consultant
Customer since 2025
Summary of this page
- E-invoicing via Peppol allows you to send digital invoices safely, securely and in a standardised manner.
- You can send structured e-invoices and other business documents digitally via the network.
- Peppol uses recognised access points that securely forward invoices between sender and recipient.
- Invoicing via Peppol is done with structured data that any accounting software can process automatically.
- With OkiOki, you can send Peppol invoices without technical settings or separate XML or UBL files.
- Peppol makes invoicing faster, safer, more accurate and easier to process in different software packages.
What is Peppol?
Peppol stands for 'Pan-European Public Procurement Online'. This international network makes it possible for companies, governments and other organisations to exchange electronic documents in a secure and standardised way.
Peppol is mainly used for e-invoices. You do not send it as a regular PDF, but as a structured electronic invoice. The advantage of this is that different accounting and invoicing programs read and process the same invoice correctly.
Peppol was originally intended for public procurements. The network has now become an important standard for electronic invoicing between companies.
What is Peppol used for?
Peppol is used to safely exchange electronic invoices and other business documents.
As an entrepreneur, you use the network for e-invoicing. Since 1 January 2026, as a Belgian VAT-liable company, you are required to send digital invoices in a structured electronic format. Sending an invoice as a PDF by email is no longer sufficient.
You can access Peppol Belgium via a Peppol service provider such as OkiOki. This app connects your company correctly to the network and ensures that you have access to all services.
For example, your company can send and receive invoices via Peppol in a fixed format, such as UBL or XML. Accounting software can process these invoices automatically without manual overtyping.
Not all documents are received through Peppol, such as receipts, fines, payment invitations and invoices from foreign suppliers. OkiOki also collects those documents by automatically retrieving them from your mailbox, supplier portals and cloud storage.
How does the Peppol network work?
The gateway to Peppol is an approved access point. These access points are similar to a telecom provider. Just as you cannot make mobile calls without Proximus, Orange or Telenet, you cannot send or receive e-invoices via Peppol without an access point.
Peppol uses a four-corner model:
Four corner model
- The sender creates an invoice in software that supports Peppol, such as OkiOki.
- This invoice is sent from the access point via the Peppol network and then to the recipient’s access point.
- The recipient receives the invoice directly in their own software without any additional action required.
Since all parties use the same standard, the recipient can process the invoice correctly. The sender's software and the receiver's software may therefore be different. The Peppol software ensures that the invoice is received securely, in a structured format and in a form that can be processed.
How does invoicing via Peppol work?
When you send an invoice via Peppol, you create an invoice as a structured e-invoice. It contains all the data that the software can read automatically:
- Customer details
- Supplier details
- Amounts
- VAT
- Invoice number
- Payment information
That is what makes it different from a PDF.
- A PDF is intended to be read by people.
- An e-invoice sent via Peppol is designed to be processed by accounting software.
Because both sender and recipient use recognised access points, both parties are identified and authenticated. This makes the invoice flow more secure than with regular email. It also reduces the risk of invoice fraud, as invoices are less likely to be intercepted, modified or falsified.
How do you send an invoice via Peppol?
To send invoices via Peppol, you need software that has access to the Peppol network – such as OkiOki. This app simplifies the entire process:
- You create your invoice in OkiOki.
- OkiOki prepares the invoice in the correct format.
- The invoice is sent via an authorised Peppol access point.
- Your customer receives the invoice directly in their own software.
OkiOki takes care of everything for you in Peppol. In other words, you do not have to:
- create UBL or XML files
- select an access point
- deal with technical settings
What are the benefits of Peppol?
- Invoices are delivered faster and more accurately via a secure network.
- Your accounting software can automatically read and process e-invoices.
- You avoid manual entries, which saves you time and reduces the risk of errors.
- Peppol guarantees secure e-invoicing. Senders and recipients are authenticated, which prevents invoice fraud.
- You work with an international standard that allows different software packages to communicate with each other.
In short, Peppol makes invoicing faster, safer and more reliable.
OkiOki offers an additional advantage. The app not only processes your Peppol invoices, but also keeps track of documents outside the Peppol network. This keeps your digital administration complete and well organised.
More questions?
Do you have more questions about OkiOki? Our comprehensive Support Center offers practical guides, helpful information, and step-by-step instructions to help you get the most out of OkiOki.
Frequently asked questions about Peppol
Do I need technical knowledge to use Peppol?
No. Peppol is not technical if you use OkiOki. You simply create your invoice as you would in any invoicing tool. OkiOki then ensures the correct connection, correct file format and sending via Peppol. So, you don't need to know what an UBL file is, which access point you need or what settings are required. OkiOki takes care of all this for you.
Can I use Peppol with my current accountant?
Absolutely. OkiOki automatically delivers all necessary invoices and documents to your accountant. The app adds additional information, such as comments, tags and payment details that are useful for processing. This way, your accountant receives everything in a well-organised manner throughout the entire quarter. Fewer individual emails for you to deal with and less searching for your accountant.
Can I use Peppol on my smartphone?
Yes. OkiOki works not only on your computer, but also on your smartphone. This is handy when you want to take a picture of a receipt on the go, quickly check off a task or check the status of a payment. You can also create invoices and offers on your smartphone. This way, you don't have to postpone your paperwork until you’re back at your desk. It goes wherever you go.
Can I continue to use regular PDF invoices?
With Belgian B2B invoices, a PDF sent by email is no longer valid as an official invoice. The law requires a structured e-invoice to be sent via Peppol. You can still provide your customer with a PDF company if desired, for example to be able to view the invoice quickly. But the valid invoice flow runs via Peppol. With OkiOki, this sending takes place immediately in the correct format.
How can I easily get started with Peppol?
Getting started with OkiOki is easy. You create an account, connect your company to Peppol and create your first invoice. OkiOki then checks whether your customer can be reached via Peppol. If everything is in order, your e-invoice will automatically be sent out in the correct format. This allows you to get started with Peppol right away without any technical preparation or additional IT workload.
Need help with Peppol?
OkiOki helps you get started by:
- connecting your company correctly to the Peppol network;
- ensuring that you send and receive e-invoices correctly;
- helping you to switch to OkiOki if you use other Peppol software.