Peppol versus PDF invoices: why clients prefer e‑invoicing (and how to set it up in Odoo)

Sending invoices as PDF attachments by email is standard today, but that is changing fast. In Belgium and across Europe, more businesses are switching to Peppol e‑invoicing—not because it is trendy, but because it is more efficient, secure and legally sound.

In this article we explain why your clients will soon expect e‑invoices via Peppol, how Peppol differs from traditional PDF invoices, and how to activate Peppol invoicing in Odoo.

What is Peppol and why it matters for Belgian companies?

Peppol (Pan‑European Public Procurement Online) is an international network for exchanging electronic invoices. Initially designed for government procurement, it is now widely used by companies and accounting firms. In Belgium, Peppol is supported by the Federal Public Service Finance and encouraged for SMEs that want VAT compliant e‑invoicing. It is increasingly mandatory in sectors like construction, logistics and consultancy.

Key benefits of Peppol:

1. Invoices are auto-validated before sending
2. Eliminates human errors and wrong email addresses
3. Speeds up payments with structured data
4. Fully VAT-compliant under Belgian and EU laws
5. Ideal for working with governments and large clients

PDF invoice vs Peppol e‑invoice

PDF invoices may still work for individuals and small clients, but professional organizations prefer Peppol for reliability and speed.

How to send Peppol invoices in Odoo

Odoo accounting now makes e‑invoicing via Peppol easy to set up:

1. Enable Peppol e‑invoicing

Go to Accounting → Configuration → Settings and enable Peppol e‑invoicing.

2. Register your Odoo company on the Peppol network

Odoo provides an automatic link via IAP (In‑App Purchase). All you need is your VAT number.

3. Send your first Peppol invoice

Create an invoice as usual and select “send via Peppol.” Odoo converts it to UBL format and delivers it over Peppol.

4. Receive incoming Peppol invoices

Suppliers or clients using Peppol can send invoices directly to your Odoo. Odoo auto-detects sender, VAT codes and accounting entries.

Is your sector ready for Peppol?

In Belgium, demand for e‑invoicing is growing in:

1. Construction companies working with governments
2. Consultancies and freelancers with corporate clients
3. Logistics firms with international connections
4. Retailers using centralized invoicing
5. IT companies focused on digitalisation
6. Marketing agencies aiming for efficiency and scalable growth

For SMEs preparing for future requirements, switching to Odoo Peppol invoicing is a logical step.

Conclusion: Peppol is becoming the standard, start Odoo e‑invoicing today

The shift from PDF to e‑invoices is well underway. Clients expect faster, safer, transparent invoicing. With Odoo accounting, Belgian businesses are ready for the future.
At Bodoo we guide companies through Peppol implementation, connecting with clients, suppliers and government systems.