eInvoicing

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About Peppol eInvoicing

eInvoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information between suppliers' and buyers' software through the secure Peppol network.

Peppol eInvoicing is different from other invoicing methods because it:

  • operates on an open network which breaks down barriers for business trading domestically and overseas
  • uses a common data standard
  • is supported by network governance and security controls.

eInvoicing does not apply to business to consumer transactions, and the ATO does not receive copies of eInvoices – we cannot view the contents of any eInvoices being transmitted between businesses.

For more information about eInvoicing, its benefits and the ATO’s role as the Australian Peppol Authority:

The Peppol framework

Peppol is an international eProcurement framework developed and maintained by OpenPeppol, an international not-for profit organisation. OpenPeppol delegates authority over Peppol’s implementation to local Peppol Authorities. It is the Peppol framework and infrastructure – the network, specifications and governance controls – that enables interoperability between suppliers’ and buyers’ software. 

For more information visit Peppol.

Australian and New Zealand eInvoice specifications

Australia and New Zealand joined the Peppol network together in 2019. We share eInvoice specifications, which are updated bi-annually:

The A-NZ industry practice statement - Invoice content (DOCX, 4MB) outlines common data requirements within the specification that are vital to support the successful processing of eInvoices.

While we have begun by introducing eInvoices in Australia, Peppol supports an entire suite of eProcurement business documents, including catalogues, punch outs, orders, and dispatch advice. 

For more information, see Peppol’s specifications for eProcurement documents.

Getting on board with Peppol eInvoicing

To offer eInvoicing services or products digital service providers (DSPs) can either become an accredited Peppol service provider or partner with an existing accredited Peppol service provider to make their products eInvoicing ready.

Becoming an accredited Peppol service provider

To become an accredited Peppol service provider in Australia you will need to:

  • be an OpenPeppol member
  • sign a legal agreement
  • pass the APA’s due diligence checks 
  • meet security requirements
  • test your solution.

You will then be listed on the Australian Peppol service provider register.

For more detail read the Australian accreditation process for Peppol Service Providers.

Becoming eInvoicing ready

You can apply to have your accounting or finance software or procure-to-pay solution to be registered as being eInvoicing ready when it has demonstrated ability to:

  • send or receive a valid eInvoice through an accredited Australian or New Zealand Peppol service provider, and
  • register a business onto the Peppol network.

If your product meets additional criteria, it may be certified as eInvoicing Ready+.

Successful products will be listed on the eInvoicing Ready product register. 

Find out how some eInvoicing software providers exchange eInvoices by watching these eInvoicing software provider demonstrations. 

For more about become eInvoicing Ready read the eInvoicing Ready assessment process.

eInvoicing Service Provider Forum and working group

A-NZ Service Provider Forum

We run a regular information sharing sessions for access point providers (APs) and service metadata publishers (SMPs) accredited in Australia and New Zealand and Peppol members that support the Australian and New Zealand eInvoicing environment. 

Find out more about the Australian and New Zealand Service Provider forum.

A-NZ Peppol All Stakeholders Working Group

Digital Service Providers Australia and New Zealand (DSPANZ) run a working group co-chaired by the Australian and New Zealand Peppol Authorities. This group includes end users and software and service providers, who meet to discuss emerging implementation challenges and develop guidance on how to address issues to support enhanced interoperability and improve users’ eInvoicing experience.

Find out more about the DSPANZ All stakeholder working group.

Contact us

If you have any questions, email eInvoicing@ato.gov.au 
 

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