E-invoicing system of the Netherlands - Overview

Peppol, the Dutch e-invoicing system, became mandatory for all Dutch central government suppliers in 2017. With 84% of invoices received as e-invoices, 47% processed via the Peppol network, the Netherlands is focusing on digitalization and integrating the hiring process for contract work.

Peppol serves as the basis for public administrations' electronic invoicing. E-invoicing emerged in 2017 as required for all Dutch central government suppliers. All government agencies were required to be able to receive and process electronic invoices in 2019. In 2020, The Dutch Peppol Authority (NPa) was assumed by the Ministry of the Interior. The Peppol network is currently linked to all central government agencies.

In the Netherlands, public administrations have a great deal of autonomy, which makes it difficult to implement a standardized and uniform e-invoicing strategy. Peppol and shared digital solutions offer a way to accomplish a one-government experience.

84% of invoices received by the Dutch central government are electronic, with 47% of those invoices being processed through the Peppol network. Peppol is not the only channel available to suppliers for electronic invoicing.

However, the number of Peppol messages is growing, rising from 3.8 million in 2021 to 8 million in 2024.

Peppol in the Netherlands plans to integrate the hiring process for contract work and digitize the entire e-procurement chain as its next steps. In an effort to raise standards, the Netherlands actively participates in standards committees. We proactively promote the use of Peppol by local governments.

The difficulty lies in persuading software providers to support e-invoicing generally and Peppol specifically, as well as in encouraging businesses to transition to electronic invoicing.

Adoption depends on growth, and vice versa. The day's objective is to talk about how to reach a critical mass of adoption.