OpenPeppol is preparing to introduce mandatory ISO/IEC 27001 certification for Peppol Access Points, with the requirement expected to take effect by 2028. While this is not a regulatory change for businesses, it represents an important step towards strengthening the security and resilience of the global Peppol network.
As more countries adopt Peppol as the foundation for mandatory e-invoicing, secure and trusted document exchange is becoming increasingly important. Recent developments in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates demonstrate how Peppol is becoming the preferred interoperability network for national e-invoicing frameworks around the world.
Why OpenPeppol is introducing ISO 27001
According to OpenPeppol, the initiative is driven by an evolving cybersecurity landscape and the growing importance of the network. As more organisations rely on Peppol for exchanging invoices and other business documents, the impact of security incidents increases.
Rather than introducing different security expectations in every country, OpenPeppol aims to establish a common baseline for all certified Access Points. ISO 27001 provides an internationally recognised framework for information security management, helping providers demonstrate that security processes are embedded across their organisation and continuously maintained.
The initiative also aligns with broader cybersecurity developments, including the implementation of the NIS2 Directive in several European countries. By adopting a recognised international security standard, OpenPeppol aims to strengthen trust across its expanding global network.
Reducing supply chain risks
One of the main drivers behind the proposal is the increasing risk of supply chain attacks. Because the Peppol network consists of interconnected Access Points, a security incident affecting one provider could have wider consequences across the network.
OpenPeppol has highlighted several areas that require continued attention, including:
- Supply chain security
- Protection against data breaches and unauthorised access
- Business continuity and operational resilience
- Fraud and document integrity
- Phishing and credential theft
- Ransomware attacks
- Compliance with evolving cybersecurity requirements, including NIS2
ISO 27001 certification is intended to establish a consistent governance framework across all participating Access Points. However, certification alone does not eliminate security risks. Providers will still need to continuously improve their technical and organisational security measures.
What does this mean for businesses?
For organisations using Peppol, the proposed certification requirement will not introduce any additional obligations. Instead, it is intended to increase confidence in the network that businesses already rely on for secure document exchange.
Companies selecting a Peppol provider should continue to look beyond connectivity alone. Security governance, operational resilience and compliance are becoming increasingly important factors when choosing an Access Point, particularly as more countries make Peppol the foundation of their national e-invoicing frameworks.
For multinational organisations, a common security baseline across the network can also simplify supplier onboarding and reduce the need to assess different security standards for providers operating in multiple jurisdictions.
A stronger foundation for global Peppol adoption
The proposal reflects the broader evolution of the Peppol network. Initially developed to standardise electronic procurement, Peppol is now supporting mandatory e-invoicing programmes in a growing number of countries. As adoption expands, maintaining trust in the underlying infrastructure becomes just as important as interoperability.
The growing role of Peppol is reflected in recent regulatory developments worldwide. The United Kingdom has confirmed that Peppol will form the interoperability layer for its mandatory e-invoicing programme from 2029, while the United Arab Emirates has already operationalised its Peppol-based four-corner model and launched its official implementation guidelines ahead of the phased rollout. These developments underline why a consistent security baseline across the global Peppol network is becoming increasingly important.
OpenPeppol expects the mandatory ISO 27001 requirement to become effective by 2028. In the meantime, interim security requirements may be introduced while providers work towards full certification.
For businesses, the message is clear: secure document exchange is becoming a fundamental part of digital finance operations. Choosing a trusted Peppol provider with strong governance and security practices will become increasingly important as e-invoicing adoption continues to grow worldwide.
Learn more about how Dynatos supports secure, compliant document exchange through the Peppol solution.
