VAT & compliance
B2B e-invoicing: what’s changing in Belgium
· 7 min read · Updated on June 24, 2026
Belgium has made structured electronic invoicing mandatory between VAT-registered businesses established in the country, effective 1 January 2026. Here’s what a shop owner needs to take away from it.
What we’re talking about
A structured electronic invoice is not a PDF sent by email. It’s a file in a standardised format (a European standard, the Peppol network) that software exchanges and reads automatically.
The aim: less manual entry, fewer errors, and VAT that’s harder to dodge.
Who is affected
B2B transactions between VAT-registered businesses established in Belgium. Your counter sales to private customers (B2C) aren’t affected: the receipt stays a receipt.
However, if you invoice another business (a fellow trader, a company for an event, a public body), the invoice must be issued in the structured format.
What this means in practice
You need to be able to issue and receive structured electronic invoices, generally through invoicing or point-of-sale software connected to the Peppol network.
Your company details (BCE company number, address, VAT number) must be accurate and up to date.
What doesn’t change
Retail sales to private customers, the receipt, X and Z reports, the periodic VAT return: nothing new on that front.
Our position at VELKA
VELKA covers the till and the retail receipt. For issuing structured B2B electronic invoices, talk to your accountant or your invoicing software provider: it’s a separate topic from your till, not a reason to hold off getting equipped.
This article is for information only. For your specific situation, refer to Belgium’s tax authorities (SPF Finances) and your accountant.