E-Invoicing in Belgium: Your Guide to the 2026 Mandate

As of January 1, 2026, structured electronic invoicing is mandatory for all domestic B2B transactions between Belgian VAT-registered businesses.

Belgium’s 2026 e-invoicing mandate is built around compliance with the European standard EN 16931, with Peppol BIS 3.0 as the recommended format and network for invoice exchange.

Now, in the beginning of 2026, the Belgian B2B e-invoicing requirement is fully in force. Businesses must issue and receive structured e-invoices that comply with EN 16931, and traditional formats such as PDF are no longer permitted for transactions within scope.

This guide explains the Belgium EN 16931 requirement, how Peppol works in Belgium in 2026, and what businesses must do to remain compliant.

Current Status of Belgium E-invoicing in 2026

Belgium has completed the transition to mandatory B2B e-invoicing. Businesses established in Belgium must now issue and receive invoices electronically using a structured format that complies with European standards.

The country currently operates under a Post Audit model. However, Belgium has announced plans to introduce a CTC/e-reporting system in 2028, which would move towards near real-time reporting to the tax authorities.

Scope of the Belgian B2B Mandate

The obligation applies broadly. From January 1, 2026, all domestic B2B transactions between Belgian VAT-registered entities must be issued and received as structured electronic invoices.

This includes:

• Belgian companies invoicing other Belgian companies
• Both sending and receiving invoices
• All standard commercial invoices within scope

Traditional invoice formats such as PDF are no longer permitted for in-scope B2B transactions. Invoices must now follow a structured data format that aligns with the European standard EN 16931.

Belgium’s approach ensures harmonization with EU requirements while also aligning with its existing public-sector e-invoicing infrastructure.

Belgian Mandate Implementation Timeline

Here you can see a timeline of the already implemented mandate and what is in the future for e-invoicing in Belgium.

Although July 2024 was originally discussed as a possible start date, the reform was postponed and ultimately entered into force on January 1, 2026.

The simultaneous rollout required all affected taxpayers to prepare in advance, as no phased transition by company size was introduced.

Belgium EN 16931 Requirement

Belgium requires all structured B2B e-invoices to comply with the European standard EN 16931.

EN 16931 defines the data structure and semantic model for electronic invoices across the EU. By aligning the Belgian mandate with this standard, Belgium ensures interoperability both domestically and across borders.

The preferred implementation of the EN 16931 requirement in Belgium is Peppol BIS 3.0.

While alternative EN 16931-compliant formats may be used, Peppol BIS 3.0 is considered the safest and most future-proof option for compliance in Belgium in 2026.

Peppol in Belgium

Peppol plays a central role in Belgium’s e-invoicing framework.

Although Belgium has not introduced a central clearance platform for B2B, the government strongly recommends using the Peppol network for the secure and standardized exchange of structured invoices.

Peppol is already established in Belgium due to its use in B2G e-invoicing, and this existing infrastructure supports the 2026 B2B mandate.

The key takeaway is, Peppol BIS 3.0 is the recommended format and Peppol is the preferred exchange network for compliant B2B e-invoicing in Belgium.

How E-Invoices Are Sent in Belgium

Belgium has not introduced a central government clearance platform for B2B. Instead, invoice exchange takes place through structured networks and integrations.

The Peppol network is the preferred channel for exchange but other options are available as well.

• Peppol Network – Preferred
• API Integration – Supported
• FTP/SFTP – Supported
• Web Portal – Supported

Peppol offers a secure and standardized way to exchange invoices, both domestically and across borders. It also ensures alignment with the EN 16931 data standard.

Businesses may choose direct integrations such as API, FTP or SFTP connections, provided the structured invoice format requirements are met.

Documents Covered by the Belgium Mandate

The scope includes more than just standard invoices. Under the Belgian B2B e-invoicing mandate, all structured invoices must comply with EN 16931. Adjustment documents such as credit notes and debit notes are typically required to follow the same structured format where they replace or adjust an invoice.

Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are not mandatory for B2B e-invoices in Belgium.

However, they may be used if a buyer requires additional proof of authenticity or integrity. This remains a commercial requirement rather than a regulatory one.

Archiving Requirements

Belgian tax rules require invoices to be stored for a minimum of seven years.

Even though invoices are exchanged electronically, businesses remain responsible for ensuring compliant storage and access.

B2G E-Invoicing in Belgium

Belgium has already had public-sector e-invoicing requirements in place for several years. Since July 2019, all public procurement contracts over $3,500 must be e-invoiced. From 2024, all suppliers to the public sector must send e-invoices via Peppol. Key details for B2G e-invoicing in Belgium are:

• Format: Peppol BIS 3.0 (strongly recommended)
• Network: Peppol
• Public Platform: Mercurius portal

This existing B2G infrastructure is one of the reasons Belgium was able to transition smoothly to mandatory B2B e-invoicing in 2026.

The Future of E-Invoicing in Belgium: CTC and Real-Time Reporting in 2028

Belgium plans to introduce a CTC or near real-time reporting model in 2028.

Under this model, companies would need to report invoice data to the government in near real time, potentially moving towards a clearance-based system.

• Status: No legislation yet
• Next steps: Conceptual and feasibility studies are ongoing
• Stay informed: Follow updates from the Belgian Federal Public Service Finance