Peppol or email: what is the difference?
You can email an invoice as a PDF, or send it via Peppol. It looks the same, but it is not.
A PDF by email
A PDF is a picture of your invoice. Your client opens the email, reads the invoice and retypes the details into their accounts. That takes time and errors creep in.
An invoice via Peppol
Peppol is a secure network that carries invoices straight from your software to your client’s. The invoice is then structured data, not a picture: your client can read it in automatically. There is no email that can end up in a spam filter.
When is Peppol mandatory?
Since 1 January 2026, invoices between Belgian VAT-registered businesses must be sent via Peppol. For a private person or a client abroad, a PDF by email is still possible. Read more in e-invoicing becomes mandatory.
How it works in Faktuno
- You always use the same button: Send.
- Each client has a label. Peppol means the invoice goes via Peppol, Email means it goes as a PDF by email. So you know beforehand how your invoice arrives.
- A client you look up by enterprise number is recognised automatically. If your Belgian client is not on Peppol, you see that straight away and read what to do.
- Invoices you receive from suppliers also arrive straight in Faktuno via Peppol, see receiving Peppol invoices.
More help
- E-invoicing mandatory since 2026
- Sending a Peppol invoice
- Client not on Peppol
- Receiving Peppol invoices
- Reverse charge on your invoice
- Small business exemption scheme
- Structured payment reference
- Switching Peppol provider
- Finding a Peppol ID
- Credit note via Peppol
- What must be on an invoice
- Recurring invoices
- Let your client accept a quote online
- How to send a payment reminder
- How to make a quote
- VAT rates on an invoice
- Invoicing a client in the EU
- Keeping invoices
- Due date and payment terms