What is SMP in Peppol?
What is SMP? It is the directory of a participant in the Peppol network. It shows which documents the participant can receive and via which access point.
By Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager at BESITEC · Updated 9 Nov 2026
In short. Service Metadata Publisher. Before an access point sends an invoice, it checks here where to send it and in which format. Without an entry, a participant cannot be reached in the network.
What is SMP doing when an invoice is sent?
- SenderAccess point
- SMLWho is responsible?
- DirectoryWhat can the recipient do?
- AddressRecipient access point
- Recipientreceives the document
The rules are set by OpenPeppol. The SML is the central locator pointing to each publisher.
What is SMP storing for each participant?
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
Peppol ID | Participant identifier, for example based on the VAT number |
Document types | such as invoice, credit note or order |
Process | the Peppol process the document runs in |
Endpoint | address and certificate of the access point |
If the entry says a participant cannot receive invoices, the access point will not send any. A complete entry is therefore essential.
Who runs the service
Certified provider
Only providers certified by OpenPeppol may run this service.
Usually with the access point
Many providers run both, which simplifies setup and maintenance.
BESITEC is certified by OpenPeppol as an access point and as a Service Metadata Publisher and sets up both for you.
SMP FAQ
Do I need my own entry?
Yes, if you want to receive via Peppol. Your provider creates it for you.
How does it differ from the access point?
The access point transports documents. The directory says where to send them and in which format.
What is the SML?
Service Metadata Locator. The central directory pointing to the responsible publisher for each participant.
Can I check my entry?
Yes. The public Peppol Directory lets you search for participants.
More terms in the glossary
Want to receive and send via Peppol?
In 30 minutes, Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager, clarifies how your entry and connection will look.
