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REQUIRED All of Belgium

Can I still send a PDF or paper invoice to another business?

In short

No. Since 1 January 2026, invoices between VAT-registered businesses (B2B) must be structured electronic invoices. The standard channel is the Peppol network.

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This rule in 46 seconds
Video transcript

Your shop sold goods to another company. You are preparing a PDF invoice. Required: Since 1 January 2026, invoices between businesses are only sent as e-invoices via Peppol. Small businesses too. The right way: Connect to Peppol software or to your accountant. Send the invoice over the network. Outcome: First offence: 1.500 €; Second offence: 3.000 €; After that: 5.000 €.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • Invoices between VAT-registered businesses must be e-invoices via the Peppol network; a PDF or paper invoice does not meet this obligation.
  • Small businesses that use the VAT exemption are also subject to this obligation.
  • Compliance has been checked since 1 April 2026.
  • Check your Peppol registration with your accountant or your invoicing software provider.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
1.500 € for the first violation, 3.000 € for the second, 5.000 € for later ones

Legal basis:KB 8.7.2025, art. 5 (KB nr. 44, rubriek I, C)

Court / prison
No prison sentence

Legal basis:KB 8.7.2025, art. 5 (KB nr. 44, rubriek I, C)

What really matters: the indirect consequences

Why does this rule exist?

Electronic invoicing reduces VAT fraud, speeds up paperwork and protects honest businesses from unfair competition.

Where can you go?

  • Accountant or social secretariatDimona, e-invoicing and tax obligations
  • Organisations for self-employed peopleFlanders: Unizo · Wallonia and Brussels: UCM
  • Tax office (FOD Financiën / SPF Finances)Declaring foreign property and accounts
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
8 / 8 statements in an official source
Checked: 22.10.2026
Last checked
22.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 8 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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