How to Check If Your Customer Is on the Peppol Network

Why You Need to Verify Peppol Registration

Before you can send an e-invoice to a customer or business partner via the Peppol network, they must be registered as a Peppol participant. Unlike email, where you can send to any address and hope it arrives, Peppol requires the recipient to have an active registration.

With Germany's e-invoicing mandate now in effect, more businesses are joining the Peppol network every day. But not everyone has registered yet, and some may be using alternative methods to receive e-invoices. Knowing your customer's Peppol status helps you choose the right delivery method.

This guide shows you exactly how to check if your customer is on Peppol and what to do in each scenario.

What Is a Peppol ID?

Every business on the Peppol network has a unique identifier called a Peppol Participant ID. Here, this is typically based on the company's VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer). For example:

• Format: 9930:DE123456789 (where 9930 is the local VAT scheme identifier)
• Alternative: Some businesses register using their GLN (Global Location Number) or other identifiers

This ID is what the Peppol network uses to route invoices to the correct recipient. Think of it as the postal address for electronic invoices.

Method 1: Use the Peppol Directory

The Peppol Directory (formerly known as the SML/SMP lookup) is the official public registry of all Peppol participants. Here is how to use it:

1. Visit the Peppol Directory at directory.peppol.eu
2. Enter your customer's company name, VAT number, or Peppol ID
3. Review the search results to see if they are registered
4. Check which document types they can receive (invoices, credit notes, orders)

The directory is free to use and accessible to anyone. It provides real-time information about which businesses are currently active on the network.

Method 2: Check Directly from Peppol Box

If you use Peppol Box, checking your customer's Peppol status is even simpler. The platform includes a built-in participant lookup:

1. Open Peppol Box and navigate to the send invoice section
2. Enter your customer's VAT number or company name
3. Peppol Box automatically checks the directory and shows their registration status
4. If they are registered, you can send the invoice directly
5. If they are not registered, Peppol Box suggests alternative delivery options

This integrated lookup saves you from switching between platforms and provides immediate guidance on the best delivery method.

Method 3: Ask Your Customer Directly

Sometimes the simplest approach is the best one. If you are unsure about your customer's e-invoicing capabilities, ask them directly:

• "Are you registered on the Peppol network?"
• "What is your Peppol Participant ID?"
• "Which e-invoice formats can you receive? (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, UBL)"
• "Do you have a preferred method for receiving e-invoices?"

Many businesses are adding their Peppol ID to their letterheads, websites, and business cards, just as they display their VAT number today.

What If Your Customer Is Not on Peppol?

If your customer is not yet registered on the Peppol network, you have several options:

Option 1: Send via Email

During the transition period (until end of 2026 for most businesses), you can still send invoices as PDF or in XRechnung/ZUGFeRD format via email with the recipient's consent. Peppol Box allows you to send e-invoices by email to recipients who are not on the Peppol network.

Option 2: Encourage Them to Register

Since all B2B businesses must be able to receive e-invoices since January 2025, your customer should be preparing. You can recommend they register on Peppol through an access point provider like Peppol Box. Registration takes just minutes.

Option 3: Use Traditional Methods (Temporarily)

Paper invoices and PDF by email remain valid during the transition period with recipient consent. However, this grace period is limited and businesses should be transitioning now.

Tips for Managing Your Customer Directory

As e-invoicing adoption grows, keeping track of your customers' Peppol status becomes increasingly important:

• Maintain a customer list noting which customers are on Peppol and which are not
• Periodically re-check customers who were not previously registered, as new businesses join daily
• Include Peppol ID requests in your customer onboarding process
• Add your own Peppol ID to your invoices, emails, and website so customers can find you
• Use Peppol Box tags to organize customers by their invoicing capabilities

The Growing Peppol Network

The number of domestic businesses on the Peppol network is growing rapidly since the e-invoicing mandate took effect. Government agencies, large enterprises, and increasingly SMEs are registering. The Federal Ministry of Finance actively promotes Peppol as a key infrastructure for the digital economy.

By checking your customers' registration status today and encouraging those who are not yet on board, you are helping build a more efficient digital business ecosystem for all local companies. Peppol Box makes this verification process effortless with its built-in directory lookup.