E-invoing in Belgium
Transform Your Financial Management with e-Invoicing in Belgium
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Flick team
Last updated at
July 1, 2025
Structured e-invoicing will become mandatory for all B2B transactions in Belgium by 2026. A business must use the PEPPOL network and the Mercurius platform to meet this requirement.
This guide will explain the role of each platform, how they work together, and how a business will start using them to stay compliant.
Belgium uses two key platforms to handle e-invoicing:
PEPPOL is the standardized European network used in Belgium to exchange structured e-invoices securely. Managed by BOSA DTO since 2016, it allows businesses to send invoices to any public or private entity through certified Access Points (Flick network), removing the need for custom system integrations.
Mercurius is the national e-invoicing platform used by Belgian public authorities. It receives structured invoices sent via the PEPPOL network and routes them to the correct entity. If needed, it converts the invoice into a PDF and sends status updates confirming delivery or rejection.
Step 1: Prepare the invoice in PEPPOL BIS format
The supplier creates a structured invoice (or credit note) using UBL 2.1 syntax and includes all required fields, such as the purchase order number.
Step 2: Send the invoice through an Access Point
The supplier sends the invoice to their Access Point provider (such as Flick Network), which forwards it through the PEPPOL network.
Step 3: Validate the invoice format
PEPPOL checks the structure and content of the invoice using validation rules. If errors are found, the invoice is rejected before delivery.
Step 4: Deliver to Mercurius
If the invoice passes validation, it reaches the Mercurius platform. Mercurius identifies the correct public entity and places the invoice in its digital inbox.
Step 5: Receive status update
Mercurius sends a Message Level Response (MLR) back to the sender through the same channel. This confirms whether the invoice was accepted or rejected.
Step 1: Choose a certified Access Point
A business must connect to the PEPPOL network through a certified Access Point (Flick network). The Access Point will take care of the secure delivery, routing, and validation of the e-invoice.
Step 2: Prepare the invoice in PEPPOL BIS format
Create an invoice using the PEPPOL BIS format with the UBL 2.1 syntax. Include all required fields such as the purchase order number.
Step 3: Register to get a PEPPOL ID
The Access Point provider will help register the business in the PEPPOL directory (SMP) and get a unique PEPPOL ID for sending or receiving documents.
Step 4: Test the invoice to make sure it is valid
Check if the invoice meets the format rules and includes all the required information. This helps prevent delivery issues and rejections.
Step 5: Send the invoice through the Access Point
After testing, the Access Point will send the invoice on the PEPPOL network. The invoice will reach Mercurius, which will deliver it to the correct public entity and send back a status response.
From 2026, the use of e-invoicing will become mandatory for B2B transactions in Belgium. A business must prepare by using the PEPPOL network and the Mercurius platform. PEPPOL will handle the secure delivery of a structured invoice through a certified Access Point (Flick network). Mercurius will receive the invoice and send it to the correct public authority. This process will help a business stay compliant, reduce errors, and improve the speed and quality of invoice exchange.
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