Electronic invoicing is no longer just a buzzword—it's becoming a global standard, with Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 leading the charge. For SaaS businesses, this isn’t just another compliance measure; it’s an opportunity to unlock automation, streamline cross-border transactions, and future-proof operations.

In this blog, we’ll break down what Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 is, why it matters for your business, and how Space Invoices can make your compliance journey seamless. Whether you're scaling globally or simply looking for smarter ways to manage invoicing, this is the guide you need.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0?

How Does Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 Benefit SaaS Businesses?

Key Features of Peppol BIS Billing 3.0

Is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 Mandatory?

Space Invoices as a Peppol Access Point Provider

 

What is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0?

Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) is a network and framework that operates with the motto "Connect once, connect to all." It facilitates secure electronic document exchanges across organizations and borders. More information can be found here.

Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 is an electronic invoicing format built on the Peppol network, enabling the exchange of electronic documents like invoices, orders, and credit notes in the e-procurement process. Peppol BIS isn't exclusive to large corporations or government entities; it benefits service providers, contracting authorities, and economic operators, making electronic invoicing seamless for all businesses.

For a detailed overview of Peppol BIS Billing 3.0, click here.

 

How Does Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 Benefit SaaS Businesses?

For SaaS businesses, adopting the Peppol standard offers several key advantages:

1. Automation of Invoice Processing

Adopting Peppol BIS allows businesses to automate invoicing, reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, and cutting down on costs, while also avoiding penalties for non-compliance.

2. Simplified Cross-Border Global Transactions

The unified format simplifies cross-border transactions and ensures compliance with the European Standard EN 16931. Peppol, initially a European standard, is expanding globally, allowing businesses to standardize international transactions and connect with a growing number of global partners.

3. Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings

By eliminating manual processing, standardized e-invoicing speeds up invoice handling, reduces errors and costs, and, with integrated payment links, improves cash flow.

4. Compliance with Mandatory Requirements

With many countries mandating e-invoicing for B2B, B2C, and B2G transactions, implementing Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 ensures your business meets these legal requirements, avoiding penalties and facilitating smoother operations.

5. Future-Proofing Your Business

As digital invoicing becomes more widespread, adopting Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 ensures your SaaS business can adapt to future developments in e-billing and regulatory changes with ease.

 

Key Features of Peppol BIS Billing 3.0

Peppol BIS Billing covers a wide range of invoicing processes:

Structured data: Ensures consistent data presentation using Universal Business Language (UBL).

Core and detailed elements of an e-invoice.

Negative invoicing and credit notes: Used for scenarios like preliminary consumption invoices and pre-payment settlements.

Compliance with standards: Follows OASIS UBL 2.1 and ISO/IEC 19757-3 Schematron for automated document validation and adheres to the EN 16931 standards Core Invoice Usage Specification (CIUS).

Invoicing deliveries against purchase orders: Applies when goods or services are delivered based on a purchase order.

Credit notes for returned goods: Used for adjusting transactions when goods are returned or services are disputed.

Peppol BIS also supports essential business processes:

Accounting

Peppol BIS ensures transactions are recorded correctly, including VAT-related details at both document and line levels. This simplifies VAT booking and reporting for both sellers and buyers.

Invoice Verification

Before an invoice can be paid, it must be verified. Peppol BIS facilitates invoice verification by linking it to the original purchase order, contract, or delivery advice, ensuring accuracy before payment.

Payments

At its core, an invoice is a claim for payment. Peppol BIS supports various payment methods, including Credit Transfer, Direct Debit, and Payment Card, ensuring smooth and efficient payment processing for all transactions.

Peppol BIS 3.0 Invoice Structure

Peppol BIS 3.0 follows a standardized invoice structure, including:

The header: General information such as the biller’s and receiver’s identity, invoice date, and invoice number.

Description of goods and services: Includes details like the description, quantity, unit price, and total amount.

Taxes and fees: Includes applicable taxes such as sales tax or VAT, plus any additional fees or discounts.

Payment information: Provides payment terms, total amount, due date, and accepted payment methods.

Additional information: Covers delivery conditions, job references, or other attachments.

 

Is Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 Mandatory?

While Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 is not universally mandatory, many European countries require e-invoicing for B2G and B2B transactions. This trend is expected to expand to almost all European countries by 2030, with many countries worldwide already joining the movement.

Countries with Existing E-invoicing Regulations

Countries like Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands already have mandatory e-invoicing for certain transactions. These countries have multiple Access Points and use Peppol to support their national electronic invoicing processes.

For more details, have a look at the full list of countries with mandatory e-invoicing. Or check each country's specific regulations here.

Countries with Upcoming invoicing Regulations

Many countries worldwide are gradually introducing mandatory e-invoicing regulations for all B2G, B2B, and B2C transactions. Due to the constant changes, it can be challenging to keep track of them.

For easier understanding, check our list of upcoming European countries introducing e-invoicing in the next few years.

 

Space Invoices as a Peppol Access Point Provider

As a certified Peppol Access Point Provider, Space Invoices enables organizations to connect to the Peppol network securely and efficiently. With our invoicing API, you can achieve compliance in over 60 countries.

Here’s what you can expect:

One API for current and future worldwide compliance;

Support and upsell to clients globally;

Become the one-stop shop for your current and future clients;

Save time and money by streamlining the process and eliminating manual errors;

Rest assured that all documents are archived and reported to the responsible institutions;

Save time and money with an integration that takes less than a week.

If you have questions about Peppol and achieving compliance, we’re ready to help.

 

Additional reading:

• 3 Best White-Label Invoicing APIs for B2B SaaS, Fintech, and Neobank Platforms
• Ask Your Developer: Key Insights for the Build vs Buy Debate in Invoicing API
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Implements VAT on Non-Resident Digital Service Providers