As of Jan. 1, 2026, all companies subject to VAT in Belgium are required to send and receive electronic invoices via Peppol. This means that Belgian companies may no longer receive invoices by e-mail (e.g. in pdf format) or on paper. But what can this mean for Dutch companies working with Belgian customers or suppliers?
Does your company have a Dutch branch and provide products or services to a Belgian company? If so, there is a chance that your Belgian customer will ask you to send invoices via Peppol even though this is not formally required for Dutch companies.
Belgian companies may well want to streamline their processes and minimize exceptions for foreign suppliers. If their systems are fully set up for e-invoices via Peppolit may be practical for them to ask all suppliers, including Dutch ones, to deliver in this way. This is not necessary, but it is a real possibility that you as a Dutch company can take into account.
This development also offers opportunities. Dutch companies that are already switching to e-invoicing via Peppolshow that they think along with their international customers. You show that you work professionally, look ahead and want to organize your processes efficiently.
This can strengthen customer relationships and open doors to new customers who value digital maturity. Suppose your competitor can't deliver e-invoices via Peppolbut you can. Then you are more attractive to a Belgian customer who wants to digitize his processes. An early switch therefore strengthens your competitive position.
Does your organization have a branch office in Belgium? If so, this entity falls directly under the new obligation. You will have to send e-invoices via Peppol be able to send and receive e-invoices.
This is also the time to bring your entire organization, including other branches, into the digitalization fold. In this way, you will benefit worldwide from streamlined e-invoicing, faster payments and fewer errors.
The introduction of mandatory e-invoicing in Belgium is not the end point. Other European countries, including Germany, are also mandating the introduction of e-invoicing by Jan. 1, 2026. All this is in preparation for ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age), the European program for digital VAT reporting. Read more about the EU agreement on ViDA.
Companies already switching to Peppol, will soon be ready for these new requirements and be at the forefront of their market.
NLeyes has been the expert in e-invoicing and Peppol. With our years of experience, we have successfully connected countless organizations worldwide.
We provide not only the technical connection, but also a future-proof design of your administrative processes. That way, you are prepared for international obligations and can respond proactively to customer requests.
Want to learn more about e-invoicing for your organization?
Bob Breukhoven
