The use of e-invoicing by businesses in Australia and New Zealand is revolutionizing how invoices are exchanged between companies. The two governments have launched Peppol SMP compliance frameworks to ensure invoicing is more secure, more efficient, and more standardized across borders.
At the heart of this system lies the Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) — a critical component of the Peppol network that helps identify participants, their capabilities, and the technical details needed for seamless document exchange.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to find a Peppol SMP, why it matters for businesses, and how organizations in Australia and New Zealand can easily adopt digital invoicing.
What is an SMP in Peppol?
An SMP (Service Metadata Publisher) is a repository that holds information about participants enrolled on the Peppol network Australia and Peppol network NZ. It makes it easy for businesses to determine if a trading partner can accept e-invoices and what technical details are needed.
Without an SMP, there would be no way of knowing if a different business is Peppol-enabled or where to send them compliant invoices.
Why SMPs Matter for Businesses in Australia and New Zealand
- Compliance
In Australia, ATO e-invoicing compliance under the Australian e-invoicing mandate is based on SMPs for routing invoices.
In New Zealand, NZ government e-invoicing requirements and the e-invoicing NZ mandate are based on SMPs to authenticate participant information.
- Efficiency
SMPs enhance invoice automation through the exchange of data directly between systems, minimizing manual input and errors.
- Cross-Border Invoicing
SMPs enable cross-border e-invoicing in Australia and cross-border e-invoicing in New Zealand with interoperability throughout the region.
How to Find a Peppol Participant SMP
It is easy to find an SMP if you do the following:
Step 1: Select a Certified Access Point
- In Australia, choose from access point providers in Australia that are Peppol.
- In New Zealand, contact Peppol access point providers NZ.
- These providers usually have a tool or search directory to easily find Peppol participants.
Step 2: Utilize Peppol Directories
The Peppol Directory (formerly “Yellow Pages”) enables you to search for registered businesses on the network. You can check if a participant is Peppol-enabled.
Step 3: Verify Compliance
Australian businesses need to verify Australia Peppol compliance and integration with Peppol API Australia.
In New Zealand, businesses need to verify NZ Peppol compliance and set up Peppol API NZ.
Step 4: Follow the Onboarding Process
In Australia, finish the Peppol onboarding process Australia.
In New Zealand, use the NZ Peppol onboarding process and refer to the step-by-step e-invoicing guide NZ.
Advantages of Discovering and Utilizing Peppol SMPs
For Australian Companies
Quicker uptake of Australia B2B e-invoicing standards.
Simplified Australia invoice automation.
Reduced e-invoicing cost in Australia through minimized manual processing.
Benefits of digital invoicing for SMEs in Australia, including faster cash flow and improved compliance.
For New Zealand Companies
Simple integration with NZ e-invoicing providers.
New Zealand B2B e-invoicing compliance.
Reduced e-invoicing cost in New Zealand and more robust digital invoicing advantages for SMEs NZ.
Advantages of Peppol for New Zealand SMEs, including lower fraud and effective audit trails.
Roadmap Implementation
Step by Step E-Invoicing Guide Australia
- Australian government e-invoicing compliance understanding.
- Collaborate with Australia e-invoicing vendors.
- Integrate with Peppol API Australia.
- Synchronize with compulsory e-invoicing deadline in Australia.
Step by Step E-Invoicing Guide NZ
- Review the New Zealand government e-invoicing mandate.
- Sign up through authorized NZ e-invoicing providers.
- Set up Peppol API NZ.
- Comply with mandatory e-invoicing in New Zealand deadlines.
FAQs
1. What is an SMP, and why do I need it?
An SMP (Service Metadata Publisher) saves participant data on the Peppol network. It guarantees that your invoices are delivered to the right business according to local mandates.
2. How do I discover if a business is Peppol-enabled?
You can look up the Peppol Directory or contact certified Peppol access point providers in Australia and New Zealand.
3. Is e-invoicing compulsory both in Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. The compulsory e-invoicing timeline in Australia and the compulsory e-invoicing in New Zealand (2026) necessitate businesses to adapt to Peppol-based invoicing.
4. What is the cost involved?
The e-invoicing cost in Australia and the e-invoicing cost in New Zealand differ with the provider, number of transactions, and level of integration. SMEs get long-term cost savings through automation, though.
5. How do I enroll for e-invoicing in NZ?
To enroll in e-invoicing in NZ, companies need to select certified NZ e-invoicing providers, undergo NZ Peppol onboarding, and integrate Peppol API NZ with their accounting software.
Conclusion
The SMP is the foundation of the Peppol network Australia and the Peppol network NZ, allowing secure and compliant exchange of e-invoices. Through collaborations with approved providers, going through onboarding processes, and ensuring adherence to mandates, companies can make the most out of Peppol for businesses in Australia and Peppol for SMEs in New Zealand.
Implementing SMPs today is making your business ready for future-proof, automated, and cross-border-ready invoicing.