Accountable now supports GLN numbers for Peppol routing, which means you can successfully send invoices to clients that require this identifier.
This article explains what a GLN number is, when you need it, and how to use it in Accountable.
A GLN (Global Location Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier used to identify organisations or specific locations within organisations.
It is part of the GS1 identification system and is widely used in supply chains, healthcare, logistics, and public administration.
Within the Peppol network, a GLN can be used to route invoices to the correct organisation or department.
Example of a GLN:
5412345678901Unlike VAT numbers, GLNs do not indicate tax registration. Their purpose is only to identify a specific business location or entity.
You only need to use a GLN if your client explicitly provides one for Peppol invoicing.
This is common for organisations such as:
public institutions
hospitals and healthcare providers
large corporations
international organisations
These organisations sometimes require invoices to be sent to a specific department or purchasing system, which is why they use GLN identifiers instead of VAT numbers.
If your client does not provide a GLN, you should continue using their VAT number as usual.
Identifier | Purpose | When used |
VAT number | Identifies a company for tax purposes | Most Peppol invoices |
GLN number | Identifies a specific organisation or location | When a client requires GLN routing |
In most cases, VAT numbers remain the standard identifier for Peppol invoicing.
GLN identifiers are only needed for specific organisations that require them.
If your client provided a GLN, you can add it to their client profile.
Open the client profile in Accountable
Locate the GLN field
Enter the 13-digit GLN number provided by your client
Important:
Only enter the number itself
Do not add the Peppol prefix 0088:
The GLN field is available only for business clients
Once the GLN is saved:
Create your invoice as usual
Choose Send via Peppol
Accountable will automatically use the GLN for routing if it is present
No.
Most organisations receive Peppol invoices using their VAT number, and this will continue to work as before.
You only need a GLN when your client specifically asks you to use one for Peppol invoicing.
✅ Summary
A GLN is a 13-digit identifier used for Peppol routing
It is mainly used by public sector, healthcare, and large organisations
In Accountable, you can add the GLN in the client settings
Use it only when your client explicitly provides it
If you’re unsure whether you should use a VAT number or a GLN, feel free to contact our support team — we’ll be happy to help.
Author - Valesca Wilms
As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.
Who is Valesca ?Thank you for your feedback!
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