Belgium’s 2026 E-invoicing Mandate: What It Means and Why You Should Act Now

From 1^st January 2026, Belgium will introduce a major shift in how businesses invoice each other. Under the new B2B e-invoicing mandate, all VAT-registered companies that trade with other Belgian businesses will be required to issue and receive structured electronic invoices. PDFs or paper copies will no longer meet the legal standard.

Invoices will need to be exchanged via the Peppol network in a structured format, allowing them to be processed automatically by accounting systems, reducing manual work.

Who Is In Scope?

·       All Belgian businesses that are subject to VAT must comply. This includes SMEs, large companies, and self-employed professionals.

·       The mandate applies to domestic B2B invoices between Belgian VAT-registered entities.

·       B2C transactions are not included in the mandate. However, businesses must still be able to receive structured e-invoices if a supplier chooses to send one.

·       Exemptions are limited. Most VAT-registered businesses will be required to comply from January 2026.

What Is Changing and Why It Matters

·       Traditional PDFs and printed invoices will no longer be acceptable after 1^st January 2026.

·       All invoices must be structured and machine readable. This supports automated processing, faster reconciliation, and fewer errors.

·       The Peppol network becomes the primary method for sending and receiving invoices. Alternative channels may only be used if both parties agree.

Why Belgium Is Making the Change

·       The government aims to reduce VAT fraud and strengthen tax compliance.

·       Businesses will benefit from faster invoicing, improved accuracy, and better cash flow.

·       Automation reduces manual workload and lowers operational costs.

What Businesses Should Do Now

1.     Check your status. If you hold a Belgian VAT number and invoice other Belgian VAT-registered companies, you are likely in scope.

2.     Review your invoicing and accounting systems. They must support the Peppol BIS format or link to a compliant Access Point, like EDI Plus Ltd.

3.     Test your capability early. Make sure you can send and receive structured e-invoices well before January 2026.

4.     Engage with your trading partners. Confirm that both customers and suppliers are preparing for the switch.

5.     Use the early 2026 tolerance period wisely. There will be a short period of flexibility for companies that have started the transition but still face technical issues. This is not a delay. It is simply breathing room for businesses that are actively working on ensuring they comply.    

Why This Is a Business Opportunity

Although the mandate may initially feel like an unsurmountable hurdle for your business, it provides a chance to modernise financial operations.

·       You can position your business as efficient, digital-first, and easy to trade with.

·       Automated invoice processing saves time and reduces errors.

·       Faster invoice handling can improve cash flow and reduce payment delays.

·       Being ready ahead of competitors builds trust with customers, suppliers, and international partners.

What Comes After 2026

Belgium is preparing for further modernisation. From 2028, the country plans to introduce near real-time VAT e-reporting. This will likely build on the Peppol infrastructure and continue the move toward full digital tax compliance.

With the mandate approaching fast, completing your preparations now will ensure you are ready for 1^st January 2026 and avoid unnecessary disruption. Even small steps taken today can make the transition smoother.

If you would like guidance on reviewing your e-invoicing systems or validating your Peppol connection, please get in touch. With over 25 years of experience with e-invoicing, EDI Plus can ensure your transition is smooth, compliant, and fully aligned with the 20