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Key takeaways
- Peppol is a network and a set of specifications for exchanging electronic documents such as invoices through accredited access points.
- It uses a four-corner model: the supplier, the supplier's access point, the buyer's access point and the buyer.
- The common invoice format is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, which follows the European standard EN 16931.
- You join through an accredited access point provider rather than building the connection yourself.
Free PDF and Excel: Peppol onboarding checklist and provider comparison. Get it below
What Peppol is
Peppol is a set of technical standards and a network that lets businesses exchange e-invoices and other documents through certified service providers called access points.
Peppol was started for European public procurement and has spread. Public buyers in several European countries require it, and countries in Asia Pacific use it as the basis of their own systems. Whether you must use it depends on your buyers and your country.
The four-corner model
| Corner | Role |
|---|---|
| 1. Supplier | Creates the invoice in its own system |
| 2. Supplier access point | Converts it if needed and sends it over the network |
| 3. Buyer access point | Receives it and passes it on |
| 4. Buyer | Gets the invoice in its own system |
A supplier uses accounting software with a built-in Peppol connection. It creates an invoice for a public hospital. The software sends it to the supplier's access point, which delivers it to the hospital's access point, and it appears in the hospital's payables queue.
The supplier did not need to know how the hospital's system works. Both followed the same standard.
Free PDF and Excel
Peppol onboarding checklist and provider comparison
A checklist to join Peppol and a sheet for comparing access point providers.
- Onboarding checklist
- Four-corner explainer
- Provider comparison sheet
- Excel provider scorecard
Joining
- Check whether your buyers or your country require Peppol.
- Choose an accredited access point provider, often through your accounting software.
- Register your business identifier on the network.
- Map your invoice data to Peppol BIS Billing 3.0.
- Send a test invoice to a partner.
- Go live and monitor failed deliveries.
Peppol and other e-invoicing
Peppol is one of several models. India uses clearance through a government portal. See e-invoice under GST. The overall picture is on e-invoicing.
- Buyer requirements are known.
- An access point provider is chosen.
- Business identifier is registered.
- Invoice data meets BIS Billing 3.0.
- Test invoice is accepted.
Last checked: 19 October 2026. General description. Each country sets its own rules on use. Confirm with your provider and tax authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is Peppol?
An international network and set of standards for exchanging e-invoices and other documents through accredited access points.
What is a Peppol access point?
A certified provider that connects your business to the Peppol network.
What format does Peppol use for invoices?
Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, based on the European standard EN 16931.
Is Peppol mandatory?
In some countries for public sector buyers or for all B2B. Check your own country.
How much does Peppol cost?
Costs depend on the access point provider. Compare provider pricing.