What Peppol is
The Belgian Peppol Authority explains it this way: "Peppol is a set of rules and an open network ensuring that systems can easily exchange structured documents (such as electronic invoices) with each other. Network participants should at least be able to receive the “Peppol-BIS” document type. Peppol-BIS is an application of standard EN16931" (einvoice.belgium.be, last verified 18 October 2026).
So Peppol is two things: a network, and a document format, Peppol BIS, built on the European invoice standard.
How you connect
Not by yourself: "You cannot register directly on Peppol. This is only possible via an approved Peppol service provider." The FAQ adds that a Peppol service provider "connects companies and administrations to the Peppol network (which is why they are sometimes also called “Access Points”)". In practice, the invoicing software you use is linked to one, or lets you pick one.
Every company on the network has a Peppol ID, "the number that identifies you on the Peppol network", and the FAQ points to a public lookup to check whether a buyer can receive invoices through Peppol.
Delivery
Peppol is fast but not instant: "The Peppol network itself is a decentralised network and does not guarantee real-time delivery." The FAQ says that most invoices arrive "within a few minutes to a couple of hours".
Where Peppol is mandatory
In Belgium, structured invoices between Belgian VAT-registered companies are mandatory since 1 January 2026, in principle in Peppol-BIS: see e-invoicing in Belgium. For other countries' rules, see e-invoicing.
What InvoiceCow does
InvoiceCow makes PDF invoices today. Peppol BIS files are planned, with their status shown under the title. InvoiceCow makes the files; it is not a Peppol service provider and does not send invoices over the network. Your own provider sends them.