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Peppol

About the Peppol framework and how you and your trading partners can connect to the Peppol network to use eInvoicing.

Last updated 2 November 2022

About Peppol

PeppolExternal Link is an international eProcurement framework. It's developed and maintained by OpenPeppolExternal Link, an international non-profit association. OpenPeppol standardises the way information is structured and exchanged.

Peppol uses a 4-corner model to exchange procurement documents and data. It transmits data through a secure network of approved service providers called 'access points'.

Access pointsExternal Link connect you to the Peppol network and allow you to exchange invoices and other documents with your registered trading partners.

Peppol is used in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific. In 2019, the Australian Government adopted the Peppol framework.

The Peppol framework consists of:

  • a set of artefacts and specifications compatible with existing eProcurement and eBusiness solutions
  • the Peppol network, that facilitates the exchange of data between different systems
  • a multi-tiered structure of legal agreements and decision making that ensures proper governance.

The Australian Peppol Authority

OpenPeppol gives authority to various countries to manage the Peppol framework for its members. In Australia, the ATO is the Peppol Authority.

We administer the Australian Peppol Authority for the government. In this role, we:

  • define Australian requirements for use of the Peppol standards. For example, invoice specifications to support GST tax invoices
  • administer accreditation of access points for Australia
  • educate, promote and support the adoption of Peppol standards across government and the business community
  • work with the digital service providers and the business community to ensure the Peppol framework is suitable and implemented consistently across Australia.

We do not receive a copy of the eInvoice, and we are not able to view the contents of any eInvoices being transmitted between businesses.

The Peppol network

To use eInvoicing, your business and your trading partners need to connect to the Peppol network.

Many accounting packages offer eInvoicing and you can register on the Peppol network using your software. This process is quick and easy.

Medium and large businesses have other options to connect. To select the right option for your business, see Become eInvoice-enabled.

The Peppol Directory will help you find our which of your trading partners are registered on the network. Some software products have automated this process.

For more information, follow the steps to help identify Australian entities registered on the Peppol network.

4 Corner model of eInvoicing. This image represents the model by using 4 images (one for each corner) connected by arrows. A seller (corner 1) submits an eInvoice to their access point (corner 2) in the format of their system. The access point then confirms whether the buyer can receive a Peppol eInvoice before validating the invoice against the standard and sending the eInvoice to the buyer's access point (corner 3) in the Peppol format. Finally, the receiving access point sends the eInvoice to the buyer (corner 4) in the format of their system for processing.

Peppol and electronic data interchange

Businesses have exchanged electronic documents such as invoices for decades through different channels, including:

  • electronic data interchange (EDI)
  • data entry portals
  • data file transfers.

These systems are efficient and streamline the buying process, but they aren't universal and are usually proprietary. This means suppliers must connect to multiple systems used by different buyers, creating inefficiencies and trading barriers.

The Peppol framework complements EDI and other channels and represents a common global standard for exchanging digital business documents. This helps businesses who transact with trading partners through multiple EDI networks to avoid multiple connections and high costs.

Steps for identifying Australian trading partners that are ready to receive eInvoices in the Peppol Directory.

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