Peppol BIS 3 E-Invoice Standard
OpenPeppol AS (non-profit) · Version 3.0
Peppol BIS 3.0 is a set of structured document specifications built on UBL 2.1, implementing the EN 16931 semantic model. It is the format used on the Peppol Network — a global e-delivery infrastructure connecting businesses, governments, and ERP systems across 40+ countries.
Peppol BIS 3.0 is the most widely adopted e-invoicing specification globally. It combines UBL 2.1 syntax with EN 16931 semantics, creating a format that is both technically structured and legally compliant across multiple jurisdictions. The Peppol Network provides the routing infrastructure — a "network of networks" that connects access points globally. To use Peppol, a business needs a Peppol ID (obtained via a Peppol Registration Authority) and an access point provider.
Grounded in official sources listed below. Not a substitute for legal or tax advice.
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Key Data Fields
The following data elements are central to the Peppol BIS 3 specification. Mandatory fields are required for compliance; optional fields add detail.
UBL Invoice Structure
cbc:ID Invoice number Yes cbc:IssueDate Invoice issue date Yes cac:AccountingSupplierParty Seller party Yes cac:AccountingCustomerParty Buyer party Yes cac:InvoiceLine Invoice lines Yes Validation Requirements
Invoices using this standard must pass the following validation checks before transmission. Rejections typically occur due to missing mandatory fields or incorrect data types.
- Must conform to UBL 2.1 XML schema
- Must include all mandatory EN 16931 BT elements
- Peppol-specific rules: document type codes, process IDs, Peppol participant IDs
- Signature requirements for Peppol transport
Key Advantages
- Global coverage across 40+ countries
- Open standard with no vendor lock-in
- Built-in routing and delivery confirmation via Peppol network
- Strong ERP ecosystem support
Implementation Considerations
- Requires access point subscription
- Additional Peppol-specific validation rules beyond standard UBL
- Some countries have national formats that differ slightly from Peppol BIS 3
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Peppol BIS 2.x syntax instead of 3.0 — formats are not backward compatible
- Not registering a Peppol ID before attempting to send
- Confusing Peppol BIS 3 with plain UBL 2.1 — Peppol has additional constraints
Official Sources
All information on this page is based on the sources listed below. Always verify current requirements with the issuing authorities.
- OpenPeppol — BIS 3.0 Specification Standard Body
Official Peppol organisation; BIS 3.0 specifications and policy documents
- Peppol BIS 3.0 Document Set Standard Body
Technical specification for Peppol BIS 3.0 invoice, credit note, and related documents
- Peppol Network — About Standard Body
Overview of the Peppol network infrastructure and global coverage