Electronic Data Exchange via PEPPOL & National Platforms

E-Invoices via PEPPOL & National Platforms – Compact Practical Knowledge

Electronic invoices are revolutionizing corporate workflows and significantly contributing to more efficient business processes. The PEPPOL network plays a central role in both B2G and B2B transactions, complemented by national platforms in some countries.

Electronic Data Exchange via PEPPOL in Germany and Europe

In Germany, PEPPOL serves as the central network for the secure exchange of electronic invoices between businesses and public authorities (B2G). Since October 1, 2023, public sector contracting authorities have been required to be connected to the PEPPOL network, which necessitates the use of XRechnung and other PEPPOL-compliant standards.

Originally developed for the public sector (B2G), the PEPPOL network is now also widely used in the B2B sector across many countries. In particular, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, and increasingly France and Germany use PEPPOL as the standard network for exchanging structured e-invoices.
Thus, PEPPOL plays a central role in cross-border electronic data exchange within Europe by providing unified technical specifications (e.g., PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0).

Electronic Data Exchange via National Platforms

In addition, some countries operate national platforms that play an important role in the implementation and processing of electronic invoices. These platforms ensure that invoices comply with legal requirements and facilitate the receipt and processing of invoice data. Examples of EU countries with national e-invoicing platforms include:

• Germany: ZRE / OZG-RE – Central Invoice Receipt Platform of the Federal Government
• Italy: SDI – Sistema di Interscambio
• France: Chorus Pro / future PDP system – Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire
• Romania: RO E-Factura
• Croatia: Servis e-Račun za državu – National e-Invoicing Platform for Public Contracting Authorities

Compact Practical Knowledge

This section provides a concise overview of how the PEPPOL network works, what roles national platforms play, and how companies can efficiently receive and process e-invoices to save time and costs.

About PEPPOL

PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line) is an international network for the structured exchange of electronic documents. It connects businesses, public authorities, and service providers through so-called Access Points – certified technical interfaces.
Important facts:

• PEPPOL does not provide conventional web portals; it enables pure technical data exchange via the AS4 protocol, which ensures secure and payload-independent document transfer in B2B communication.
• It is a one-way transport network – acknowledgements or rejections are not part of the core system.

About National Platforms

In some countries, government-run or central platforms operate alongside or in addition to PEPPOL. These platforms can:

• Manage invoice reception
• Forward invoices centrally
• Enable feedback or rejections

However, they are not part of the PEPPOL core and usually operate with their own processes and protocols. A well-known example is Italy’s SDI system.

Receiving E-Invoices via PEPPOL vs. National Platforms

Invoice Receipt via PEPPOL

To receive invoices via PEPPOL, companies must take the following steps:

1. Register with a PCSP (PEPPOL Certified Service Provider) – Every invoice recipient must be registered in the PEPPOL network.
2. Obtain a PEPPOL ID (e.g., 9930:DE123456789) – This unique ID is used for addressing within the network.
3. Reception and Forwarding – The PCSP receives invoices and forwards them to the recipient.
4. Invoice Processing – Reading and validating the specific invoice format.

Comparison: PEPPOL vs. National Platforms

PEPPOL:

• Validates only the technical transmission (syntax, format, Access Point certification).
• Content validation (e.g., required fields, tax rules) is done by the recipient.
• If an invoice is technically correct but contains content errors (e.g., wrong amount, missing order number, duplicate invoice), there is no standardized feedback channel within the PEPPOL network. Rejections or corrections must be handled externally (e.g., via email or supplier portals).

National Platforms (e.g., OZG-RE in Germany, KSeF in Poland, Chorus Pro in France):

• Often perform pre-validation of incoming invoices.
• Validation can include technical checks (XML format, required fields) and, in some countries, also legal or fiscal checks.
• In some cases, such as Italy’s SDI, there are structured feedback channels allowing automatic rejection of invoices even after technical acceptance. These responses are transmitted directly through the portal – not by email.

💡Our tip: As an e-invoicing specialist, inPuncto handles all necessary steps for receiving and processing e-invoices – whether via the PEPPOL network or national platforms.

Efficient E-Invoicing – with inPuncto by Your Side

In collaboration with certified PEPPOL Access Point Providers or Access Point Providers for national platforms, inPuncto ensures complete connectivity to the PEPPOL network or the respective national system – from technical integration and data transmission to secure reception and automated forwarding of e-invoices.
Through the inPuncto Web Service, API, or FTPs, incoming PEPPOL invoices are directly transferred to the inPuncto SAP Add-on biz²ScanServer. There, invoices are automatically read, structured XML data visualized as needed, and seamlessly integrated into workflow processes for further steps such as approval, posting, and archiving.
This enables a fully digital, secure, and efficient end-to-end process – from transmission to processing.

👉 Contact our sales team for a non-binding consultation or a customized offer.