Electronic invoicing has become a standard practice in the Netherlands, driven by government initiatives focused on digital transformation. Since January 2017, all central public authorities have been required to accept electronic invoices, significantly streamlining public transactions and reducing administrative burdens. Additionally, as of January 2021, e-invoicing is mandatory for suppliers engaging in new public-sector contracts, enhancing digital integration further.
Businesses and freelancers operating in the Netherlands can choose between governmental platforms like Digipoort or authorized service providers approved by the Nederlandse Peppolautoriteit (NPA), such as B2Brouter, which directly connect to the PEPPOL network. Moreover, the mandatory digital archiving of invoices for at least seven years simplifies record management and auditing, saving considerable time and resources.
Understanding the Netherlands e-invoicing environment, its critical dates, legislative framework, and practical aspects, enables informed decision-making. The following sections will guide you through the specifics required to ensure your compliance and enhance your invoicing efficiency in the Netherlands.
Important dates
July 1, 2024:
Implementation of stricter compliance verification by Nederlandse Peppolautoriteit.
January 1, 2025:
Authorities will review in 2025 if e-invoicing obligations should extend to B2B sectors (currently optional)
Legislation
- B2G invoicing status
Required for all Business-to-Government (B2G) contracts signed from January 2021 onward.
- Accepted formats
Mandatory use of standard formats: PEPPOL BIS 3.0 and NLCIUS for interoperability.
- Delivery channels
Invoices can be sent via PEPPOL Network, Digipoort Government Platform or the Central Government Portal, all compliant with Dutch law.
- Regulating authority
Compliance and standards supervised by Nederlandse Peppolautoriteit (NPA).
- Archiving requirements
Dutch law requires electronic invoices to be securely archived for at least 7 years and they must be accessible and readable for tax authorities.
Voluntary B2B use
B2B e-invoicing is allowed but not mandatory, and requires customer consent.
Tax reporting alignment
E-invoicing formats must support VAT reporting in line with Dutch tax authority requirements.
Send e-invoices in Netherlands securely with B2Brouter
Officially authorized:
B2Brouter is officially certified by the Nederlandse Peppolautoriteit (NPA), guaranteeing your invoices meet all legal and security standards in the Netherlands.
Seamless ERP integration:
Connect your accounting or ERP system easily to B2Brouter to automate invoice creation and delivery without changing your tools.
Reliable support
Our specialist support team is always ready to help you quickly resolve any questions or issues you encounter during your invoicing processes.
Certifications
B2Brouter is certified with the ISO 27001 standard on information security management, certified as a Peppol Access Point Service Provider and a member of the EESPA.
