What is PEPPOL?
PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is an open and standardized network designed to streamline the exchange of electronic documents — such as e-invoices, purchase orders, and shipping notices — between businesses and public sector organizations. It enables secure, interoperable communication regardless of the country or platform being used.
Initially launched as a European initiative, PEPPOL has become a global standard adopted in over 40 countries, including across Europe, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
Source: OpenPEPPOL
A Brief History of PEPPOL
PEPPOL was initiated in 2008 by the European Commission to improve cross-border public procurement processes. The goal was to reduce complexity in e-invoicing and ensure digital accessibility across member states.
In 2012, the governance of PEPPOL was transferred to OpenPEPPOL AISBL, a non-profit organization that now oversees the ongoing development and compliance framework of the PEPPOL network.
How Does PEPPOL Work?
PEPPOL is not a software but a set of specifications and a network that ensures standardization and trust in electronic data exchange. It operates through the 4-corner model, where each participant connects through a certified Access Point Provider:
- Sender – the business or entity issuing the document
- Sender’s Access Point – transmits the document into the PEPPOL network
- Receiver’s Access Point – receives the document
- Receiver – the final recipient (often a government body or trading partner)
All messages exchanged must comply with the PEPPOL BIS (Business Interoperability Specifications), based on formats like UBL (Universal Business Language).
The PEPPOL 4-corner model
Why Is PEPPOL Important Today?
- Regulatory Compliance: Many European countries now mandate PEPPOL for B2G (Business-to-Government) transactions.
- Interoperability: PEPPOL eliminates the need for multiple integrations across different platforms or formats.
- Efficiency: Faster processing, fewer manual errors, and lower operational costs.
- Security: End-to-end encrypted communication via trusted access points.
- Scalability: Once connected, a company can easily transact with any other PEPPOL-connected party globally.
Global Adoption and Current Use
PEPPOL is no longer just a European standard. Countries outside the EU have embraced PEPPOL due to its technical maturity and ease of integration. For instance:
- Singapore and Australia have designated PEPPOL as the national e-invoicing standard.
- New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and parts of the Middle East are also moving towards PEPPOL-based frameworks.
- The EU continues to push for B2B PEPPOL adoption alongside existing B2G mandates.
How Eaglessoft Supports PEPPOL Integration
At Eaglessoft, we simplify your PEPPOL journey with solutions tailored to both SMEs and large enterprises:
- E-Invoicing Portal: Easily send and receive PEPPOL-compliant invoices.
- Integration Framework: Convert EDIFACT/UBL formats and route through PEPPOL and national systems.
- SAP e-Compliance Add-on: Generate and transmit PEPPOL invoices directly from your SAP environment.
Want to connect to the PEPPOL network? [Talk to our experts] or [Book a demo].
