Main E-invoicing Components in Belgium

Mercurius Platform: The Centralized Invoice Exchange System

The electronic invoicing system in Belgium relies on the Mercurius Platform, a national hub for processing electronic invoices. This system serves as an intermediary, managing the flow of financial documents between businesses and government entities.

Mercurius platform features:

• Invoice transmission: Facilitates the correct delivery of invoices to recipients.
• Compatibility assurance: Works in conjunction with PEPPOL standards to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manual upload option: Provides an alternative for businesses that don’t automate their invoicing.
• Real-time status updates: Allows businesses to monitor the progress of invoice processing.
• Document conversion: Translates structured invoice data into readable formats for ease of access.

PEPPOL: The backbone of interoperable e-invoicing

The PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line) framework defines the standards that enable seamless electronic invoicing across different platforms. This ensures that invoices comply with legal and regulatory requirements while allowing smooth communication between trading partners.

Core features of PEPPOL:

• Standardized formatting: Uses the EN16931 standard for structured invoice data.
• Certified network access: Connects businesses through approved service providers, protecting document exchange.
• Security and compliance: Ensures authenticity, coherence, and legality.
• International reach: Facilitates cross-border invoicing, extending its usability beyond the EU.

Belgium’s Mercurius Platform in the e-invoicing framework

Currently, the Mercurius Platform primarily handles invoices for transactions with government entities. However, from 2026, the system can be used for business-to-business invoicing to meet new regulatory obligations.

How the platform operates:

1. Invoice submission: Companies create legally defined invoices and send them through the Mercurius or via PEPPOL-compatible system.
2. Delivery routing: The platform forwards invoices to the appropriate recipients.
3. Processing and acknowledgment: Receivers review, process, and respond to invoices within the system.
4. Archiving and tracking: Invoice records are stored for auditing, and users can track processing status.

Advantages of using the Mercurius Platform:

• Simplified interaction: A centralized system that streamlines invoicing for businesses.
• Accessibility: Utilitarian for AI-powered and traditional invoicing methods.
• Enhanced visibility: Status updates in real time reduce delays and uncertainty.

How PEPPOL facilitates e-invoicing in Belgium

PEPPOL in Belgium ensures that the country’s e-invoicing system is efficient, standardized, and compliant with EU regulations. The Belgian Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA) oversees PEPPOL’s implementation and maintains a official registry of businesses using the network.

PEPPOL’s contribution to e-invoicing:

• Consistent invoice structure: Uses a standardized digital format to streamline invoice processing.
• Certified connectivity: Businesses access the network via authorized service providers.
• Seamless interoperability: Ensures compatibility between different software systems.
• Secure Data Handling: Encrypts invoice data to maintain confidentiality and accuracy.
• Integration with Mercurius: Facilitates interaction between companies and government entities in Belgium.

Advantages of Belgium’s PEPPOL framework

• Regulatory compliance: Helps businesses comply with European invoicing standards, reducing errors and rejected invoices.
• Operational efficiency: Automates data exchange, cutting down handling times and minimizing manual input errors.
• Scalability: Supports every company, no matter the size, and facilitates international transactions.
• Wider connectivity: By connecting to a single PEPPOL-certified access point, companies can transact with every network participant.
• Cross-border functionality: Enables businesses to interchange invoices with international entities while guaranteeing adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Steps to Implement PEPPOL and Mercurius in Belgium

1. Evaluate existing invoicing software: Assess if the current system supports PEPPOL and integrates with Mercurius.
2. Register with PEPPOL: Obtain a unique identifier through an authorized service provider.
3. Integrate with Mercurius: Attach your accounting software to Mercurius or utilize the platform’s direct entry feature.
4. Ensure compliance: Validate that invoices conform to the EN16931 standard.
5. Employee training: Instruct staff on utilizing the new invoicing systems to maximize efficiency.

Mercurius Platform and PEPPOL in Belgium

The switch to obligatory electronic invoicing in Belgium is an important move toward digital transformation, guaranteeing adherence to the tax law, efficiency, and transparency in financial transactions. The Mercurius Platform and PEPPOL serve as the basis for this system, offering businesses the structure and guidelines required for smooth invoicing processes.

Comarch offers an e-invoicing system and is an authorized PEPPOL access point. We’re fully compliant with regulations in over 60 countries, ensuring headache-free global transactions.

Interested in learning more about e-invoicing in Belgium or other regions? Contact us today to discover how Comarch e-Invoicing can help streamline your e-invoicing process.