Choose Your E-Invoicing Route

Provider Routes

Understand the four routing approaches before selecting a provider

The right route depends on your country, ERP system, and transaction volume. Select a route type to see details.

Peppol Network Route

medium complexity

Send invoices via the global Peppol e-delivery network.

The Peppol network is a global e-invoicing infrastructure connecting businesses, governments, and ERP systems across 40+ countries. To use Peppol, you need a Peppol ID (obtained through a Peppol Registration Authority) and an access point subscription. Peppol handles routing, delivery confirmation, and interoperability.

How It Works

1. Generate your invoice in Peppol BIS 3.0 format. 2. Send it to your Peppol access point. 3. The access point routes the invoice to the recipient's access point using the Peppol network. 4. The recipient's system receives and processes the invoice. 5. Delivery receipt is returned to you.

Pros

  • Global coverage across 40+ countries
  • Standardized format ensures interoperability
  • Built-in delivery and read receipts
  • No need to manage bilateral integrations with each partner
  • Growing network effect — more recipients joining daily

Considerations

  • Access point subscription cost
  • Requires Peppol BIS 3.0 format compliance
  • Some countries have additional national format requirements
Best For Businesses with international operations, Companies sending to multiple countries, Organizations that want a standardized approach, Suppliers to EU governments
Cost Indicator Monthly subscription: $50-$500/month depending on volume. Some providers charge per invoice.

Direct API / Government Portal Route

medium complexity

Submit invoices directly via country-specific portals or APIs.

Many countries operate their own e-invoicing portals (e.g., Chorus Pro in France, SDI in Italy, FACe in Spain) where invoices must be submitted directly. This route requires country-specific integration but bypasses the Peppol network for domestic transactions.

How It Works

1. Generate invoice in the country-specific format (Factur-X, FatturaPA, Facturae, etc.). 2. Submit directly to the government portal via web interface, API, or web service. 3. The portal validates the format and routing. 4. The portal forwards to the recipient. 5. A receipt/confirmation is returned.

Pros

  • Direct connection to government clearing systems
  • Often free or low-cost (government-operated portals)
  • Ensures compliance with country-specific mandates
  • No access point subscription needed for direct portal use

Considerations

  • Country-specific — requires separate integration per country
  • Manual web portal submission is slow for high volumes
  • Portal API availability and stability varies
  • May not support international cross-border delivery
Best For Single-country operations, Low-to-medium invoice volumes, Businesses that prefer direct government system access, Companies starting with one mandatory country
Cost Indicator Portal access is typically free. API integration may require development effort.

Clearing House / PDP Route

high complexity

Route invoices through a certified intermediary (SDI in Italy; PDP-based model for France B2B rollout from 2026).

In Italy, all B2B invoices must pass through a certified intermediary — SDI (Sistema di Interscambio) — which validates, logs, and forwards invoices. In France, a similar platform-based model is being introduced under the phased B2B mandate beginning September 2026, requiring transmission through registered approved service providers (PDP — Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaires).

How It Works

1. Generate invoice in the required format. 2. Send to your chosen PDP via API. 3. PDP validates format, VAT numbers, and compliance. 4. PDP routes to buyer (who may also use a PDP or the government clearing system). 5. PDP provides a validation receipt. 6. PDP reports to tax authorities.

Pros

  • Mandatory for compliance in Italy; required for France B2B from September 2026
  • PDPs provide format validation and compliance checks
  • PDPs handle tax authority reporting
  • Reduces bilateral integration requirements

Considerations

  • Mandatory route in Italy; becomes mandatory for France B2B from September 2026 — no alternatives for in-scope companies
  • PDP subscription costs
  • Buyer and supplier must both be on compatible PDPs
  • Complexity increases with cross-border transactions
Best For French or Italian businesses with B2B transactions, Foreign companies selling to French or Italian entities, Companies needing tax authority reporting automation
Cost Indicator PDP subscription: varies by provider and volume. Typically $100-$1000/month for SME volumes.

Hybrid / Multi-Route Approach

high complexity

Combine multiple e-invoicing routes for different countries and transaction types.

Large or internationally diverse organizations often need to support multiple e-invoicing routes simultaneously — Peppol for international partners, a PDP for France, SDI for Italy, and direct portal for Germany. A hybrid approach uses middleware or a platform that can route to the appropriate destination.

How It Works

1. Generate invoice in a neutral intermediate format or country-specific format. 2. Route through middleware that determines the destination. 3. Middleware transforms to the required format and transmits via the appropriate channel (Peppol, PDP, portal). 4. Delivery receipts and confirmations are aggregated back to the source.

Pros

  • Single integration point for all countries
  • Handles format conversion automatically
  • Future-proof — can add new countries without re-integration
  • Consolidated reporting and error handling

Considerations

  • Middleware subscription cost
  • Additional system in the integration landscape
  • Middleware becomes a critical dependency
  • Configuration complexity for multi-format mapping
Best For Multi-national organizations, Companies with operations in 3+ countries, Businesses needing to support both Peppol and country-specific mandates, Organizations with complex ERP landscapes
Cost Indicator Middleware/platform subscription: $500-$5000+/month depending on volume and complexity.

Get Started

Request a Provider Shortlist

Tell us about your requirements and get matched with vetted e-invoicing providers.

Request Provider Shortlist

Tell us about your requirements and get matched with vetted e-invoicing providers. We'll recommend options based on your country, ERP, and route preferences.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive a response to your inquiry. We do not sell or share your information. This service is provided as-is for informational purposes.