The digital transformation of financial processes is in full swing, and the introduction of the Peppol network is an important step in this evolution. As an accounting software developer, you play a crucial role in supporting companies through this change. But is your application ready to meet the new requirements?

What is Peppol?

You may have heard about the Peppol network, but what exactly is Peppol? Peppol stands for “Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line. It is a special, secure network that allows companies and the public sector to quickly and securely exchange important documents such as invoices and orders with each other. You have to register for the Peppol network to send and receive invoices through it. Peppol then verifies that the recipient of your invoice is known on the network. This makes sending invoices more secure. It is also an easy way to do business and save time. The biggest advantage of all is that all invoices in a B2B setting all end up directly in your accounts, so you don’t have to go searching through the various channels for your received invoices.

As of March 1, 2024, it was mandatory for all companies doing business with the Belgian government to send electronic invoices via Peppol. As of Jan. 1, 2026, e-invoicing via Peppol is even mandatory for all taxpaying companies. Whether you’re a dynamic SME, an astute accountant, an efficient accounting firm or creative freelancer, from January 1, 2026, it will be mandatory!

Why Peppol?

By using Peppol, companies can not only meet regulatory obligations, but also improve their operational efficiency.

Some benefits of Peppol at a glance:

• Standardization: Peppol provides a uniform way of invoicing, which reduces errors and speeds up processing.
• Security: The network is highly secure, which minimizes the risk of fraud or data breaches.
• Time savings: Automatic processing of invoices means less manual work and less searching between different channels.
• Compliance: Peppol makes sure you comply with increasingly stringent regulations, such as the Belgian obligation from 2024 and 2026.

The challenge for software developers

For software developers, the transition to Peppol brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it provides an opportunity to differentiate your software by offering seamless integration with Peppol. On the other hand, it requires technical expertise and thorough testing to ensure that the new features work optimally.

Some critical aspects to consider as a developer:

1. Technical Integration: How do you make sure your software meets Peppol standards?
2. Compatibility: Will existing functionalities continue to work after implementing Peppol?
3. User Experience: How do you make the transition to Peppol as easy as possible for your users?
4. Testing and validation: How do you guarantee that the new features are reliable?

How can M2Q help you?

At M2Q, we understand that these changes can be complex. That’s why we provide support to software vendors to ensure their applications are ready for the future.

Our expertise includes:

• Technical validation: We verify that the modifications to your software comply with Peppol standards.
• Compatibility testing: We ensure that existing functionality continues to work after the implementation of new features.
• Risk management: We identify and minimize potential problems before they impact your users.
• Implementation support: We help you plan and implement the transition to Peppol.

With our help, you can assure your customers of a smooth transition to Peppol without compromising the reliability or functionality of your software.

Prepare for the future

The Jan. 1, 2026 deadline is fast approaching. It is essential to take action now and make sure your software is ready to meet these new requirements.

Wondering how we can help you?

Book a free consultation today through our website https://m2q.be/30-min-consults/ and find out how we can work together to ensure a seamless integration of Peppol into your software.

The future of invoicing is electronic. Make sure your application is ready to embrace this future!