英国公司在没有增值税号的情况下获取 PEPPOL ID 的指南
英国公司在没有增值税号的情况下获取 PEPPOL ID 的指南
What the PEPPOL Network
PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine) is an open and standardized network. It’s designed to facilitate the secure exchange of electronic documents between businesses and public entities. It plays a vital role in e-invoicing , it standartized accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across borders. For UK companies, especially suppliers to government entities like the NHS, the PEPPOL e invoicing network is becoming increasingly important.
Even if your business does not have a VAT identification number yet, you can still obtain a PEPPOL ID. In guide to obtaining ID explains how UK companies can register and start sending e-invoices convenient.
What are the benefits of the PEPPOL Network for UK Companies
The benefits of using the PEPPOL network:
- Cost and ecology savings – Reduces paper and postage expenses.
- Speed – Instantaneous digital delivery to clients and government agencies.
- Standardization – Ensures universal compliance to PEPPOL e-invoicing network regulations.
- Trust – Enhances reliability for NHS suppliers (where e-invoicing via PEPPOL is mandatory for suppliers) and international partners.
Working with LOVAT will give you even more – it is live support, experienced staff – Full up the form
What are the requirements for Obtaining a PEPPOL ID without a VAT Number
UK companies can still join the PEPPOL network without a VAT identification number by using alternative identifiers.
This ensures that UK companies below the VAT threshold or exempt entities can still get PEPPOL ID.
| Identifier Type | Example | Notes |
| Company Registration Number (CRN) | 12345678 | Issued by Companies House |
| Global Location Number (GLN) | 13-digit GS1 code | Useful for supply chain businesses |
| D-U-N-S Number | 9-digit code | Provided by Dun & Bradstreet |
| Bank Account IBAN | GB00XXXX… | \Sometimes used as fallback |
Registered Business Status
- Limited companies: Must provide a valid CRN from Companies House.
- Sole traders/partnerships: Can use a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or apply for a GLN.
Step by Step Guide for Obtaining a PEPPOL ID
- Getting a PEPPOL ID is simple when you follow the correct procedure with a certified Access Point provider:
Step 1 Choose a Certified Access Point Provider
- Select the best option from OpenPEPPOL- Lovat Compliance. Lovat is mostly working in SMEs and NHS supplier compliances.
Step 2 Register with Your Provider
- What documents you need to provide:
- Company name and registered address
- CRN or other valid identification number
- Contact details
- Companies House extract as proof
- If you don’t have any VAT number yet, inform the provider so that they can configure your PEPPOL ID using your CRN.
Step 3 Receive and Activate Your PEPPOL ID
- Once verified, your PEPPOL ID is ready (Example: 0192:GB:12345678).
- It will be registered in the PEPPOL Directory.
- It becomes searchable for trading partners.
Step 4 Integration and Testing
- Connect via API, SFTP, or web portal
- Send a test UBL invoice (PEPPOL BIS 3.0 standard).
- Verify delivery with your provider.
Step 5 Start Sending E Invoices
- Use your PEPPOL ID as the sender.
- Include recipient’s PEPPOL ID register details.
- Monitor delivery status on the provider’s dashboard.
How to Check PEPPOL ID in the Directory
After finding and verifying a partner’s PEPPOL ID, check it:
- Use the official PEPPOL Directory search.
- Enter VAT identification number, CRN, or company name.
- Confirm that the identification number matches the registered entity.
Compliance for Sending E Invoices in the UK
- To comply with UK and NHS standards:
- Mark invoices as “exempt” if no VAT applies.
- Include all PEPPOL BIS 3.0 mandatory fields.
- NHS suppliers must meet specific NHS digital invoice rules.
Comparative table:
| Feature | Traditional Invoice | PEPPOL E Invoice |
| Delivery speed | Days/weeks | Instant |
| Format | Varies | Standardized (UBL) |
| Compliance | Manual checks | Automated checks |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Examples of Identifiers in Use
| Use Case | Identifier Used | Example Format |
| NHS supplier without VAT | CRN | 0192:GB:12345678 |
| International partner | D-U-N-S | DUNS:123456789 |
| Logistics chain | GLN | 1234567890123 |
Future of PEPPOL in the UK
The UK government launched a consultation in February 2025 (closed May 7, 2025) about making PEPPOL UK e invoicing mandatory for both B2G and B2B. To be ready in time, it’s better to prepare your businesses now.
Factors to watch:
- Expansion of Making Tax Digital (MTD) into e-invoicing.
- International PEPPOL adoption in Europe and beyond.
- Wider use of PEPPOL ID register requirements across sectors.
FAQ Section
How to get PEPPOL ID in the UK
Register with an Access Point provider like Lovat Compliance, using your CRN or GLN if no VAT number is available.
How to check PEPPOL ID
Go to the PEPPOL Directory online and search by identifier or company name.
Why do i need to use PEPPOL for UK companies
It ensures faster, cheaper, and compliant invoicing for both public and private sector transactions.
Conclusion
UK companies without VAT identification numbers can still join the PEPPOL e invoicing network by registering with a certified provider using alternative identifiers. By following this guide to obtaining your PEPPOL ID, you will:
Gain a secure digital invoicing address;
- Introduce yourself with NHS and government requirements;
- Prepare your business for future regulatory changes.
PEPPOL ID register compliance ensures that your company remains discoverable, connected, and efficient in the global e-invoicing ecosystem.
- We are here to support your compliance journey. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our dedicated team.
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