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Peppol Access Point integration: connect your ERP easily
Since January 1, 2026, Belgian VAT-registered businesses must set up a Peppol Access Point. This is the only way to meet the new B2B electronic invoicing requirement. For most companies, the question is no longer whether to comply with the Belgian e-invoicing mandate, but how to do it as smoothly as possible. The answer, in most cases, is simpler than expected: connecting your existing ERP to the Peppol network through an accredited Access Point, via API.
What is a Peppol Access Point and why your ERP needs one
Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine) is an international network that enables businesses and public authorities to exchange electronic documents in a standardized, secure, and interoperable way. Originally developed for public procurement in Europe, it has become the default infrastructure for B2B e-invoicing in Belgium and across a growing number of countries worldwide.
A Peppol Access Point integration follows a "four-corner model" (relay model):
Your company sends an invoice to your Access Point;
Your Access Point transmits it to your partner’s Access Point;
The partner’s Access Point delivers it directly into their system.
This all happens automatically, with no manual handling. Your ERP, on its own, cannot connect directly to the Peppol network. You’ll need an intermediary: a certified Peppol Access Point provider. As an OpenPeppol accredited provider, it handles transmission, format validation, and network routing for you.
This means that setting up a Peppol Access Point integration does not require replacing your ERP or redesigning your internal processes. The integration layer sits between your system and the network, leaving your internal processes untouched.
Belgium’s 2026 e-invoicing mandate
The B2B electronic invoicing obligation in Belgium applies to all businesses established and VAT-registered in the country. As previously mentioned, from January 1, 2026, PDF invoices sent by email are no longer sufficient for compliance. Invoices must be issued and received in Peppol BIS 3.0 format and transmitted through the Peppol network, which is why a Peppol Access Point integration is now a concrete operational requirement, not just a technical option.
The three-month tolerance period announced by the Belgian Federal Public Service Finance, which ran through March 31, 2026, has now expired. Non-compliance can result in administrative fines ranging from €1,500 to €5,000.
Looking ahead, Belgium will also introduce real-time VAT reporting obligations by 2028, requiring invoice data to be transmitted to the tax authority alongside the standard exchange between businesses. Companies that establish a solid Peppol Access Point integration now will be well positioned for that next step, too.
How Peppol Access Point integration works with your ERP
From a technical standpoint, a Peppol Access Point integration with your ERP involves three straightforward steps:
Connect your ERP to the Access Point. Your ERP connects to the Access Point through a well-documented API; no custom middleware required, no proprietary formats to learn.
Send structured invoices across the network. Outgoing invoices are automatically converted to the Peppol BIS 3.0 standard and transmitted to your business partners' Access Points across the network.
Receive and process incoming invoices. Incoming invoices are received, validated, and delivered back to your ERP in the format your system already handles.
The result is a fully automated, bidirectional invoice flow that runs in the background.
For technical details and implementation guidance, refer to the A-Cube Peppol BE documentation.
Why choose an accredited Peppol Access Point provider
Not all providers are equal. When evaluating a Peppol Access Point integration, these are the criteria that matter most:
OpenPeppol accreditation. Only officially accredited providers can transmit documents on the Peppol network. Accreditation is not optional; it is the baseline guarantee of compliance and interoperability.
Peppol BIS 3.0 support. Your provider must fully support the EN 16931 / Peppol BIS 3.0 format required by Belgian law. Partial support creates compliance gaps.
Sandbox environment. A dedicated sandbox environment lets you test your setup end-to-end before going live, validating invoice flows and format correctness without any risk.
API documentation and technical support. Clear, up-to-date documentation and responsive technical support are what separate a smooth onboarding from a frustrating one.
Connect your ERP to the Peppol network with A-Cube
A-Cube is an accredited Peppol Access Point provider built for businesses and software teams that need a reliable, API-first Peppol Access Point integration. The Peppol API is designed to connect with any ERP or billing system with minimal engineering overhead, and the onboarding process is structured to get you compliant without unnecessary complexity.
For Belgian businesses, A-Cube offers dedicated support and a French-language interface: visit the version française for localized information.
When you're ready to move forward, the sandbox is where to start: replicate real invoice flows, verify connectivity across the network, and confirm your integration is fully compliant. Explore the sandbox environment and get your integration up and running before go-live.
