A GLN number (Global Location Number) allows you to identify a specific location or department of a company.
In this article, we explain what a GLN number is, how to add it in Billit, and how to set it as the preferred identifier for e-invoicing via Peppol.
A GLN number identifies a specific location or department within a company.
It consists of 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits and is globally unique.
In Billit, you can use a GLN number to send Peppol invoices.
You can also set a GLN number as the preferred identifier for e-invoicing.
For VAT-liable customers, the VAT number remains mandatory on the invoice.
A GLN number (Global Location Number) is a unique identifier assigned by GS1. It is used to identify:
a physical business location (e.g. head office or warehouse),
or a specific department within a company.
GLN numbers are commonly used in sectors such as transport and logistics, where it is important that documents and invoices reach the correct department.
The advantages of a GLN number are that it:
is internationally unique,
follows a standardized structure,
avoids confusion with internally created codes.
You can look up the details linked to a GLN number in the public GS1 database.
In Belgium, companies are usually registered on the Peppol network using their VAT number.
Some foreign companies or companies without a VAT number are registered on Peppol using a GLN number instead.
Because a GLN number is unique, it can safely be used as an identifier for sending Peppol invoices.
To add a GLN number in Billit:
Open the customer file.
Click the plus icon next to the VAT number field.
Select GLN.
Enter the GLN number in the new field.
Please note:
Billit does not automatically retrieve company details based on a GLN number.
You can manually look up this information in the GS1 database if needed.
If a customer has multiple identifiers (such as a VAT number, company number or GLN), you can choose which identifier is used by default to send e-invoices via Peppol.
The GLN number must already be entered in the customer file.
The customer must be registered on the Peppol network with this GLN number.
Open the customer file.
Go to the E-Invoicing tab.
You will see a list of available identifiers (e.g. VAT, company number, GLN).
Select the radio button under Preference next to GLN.
The GLN number is now used as the default electronic address for e-invoicing.
From now on, Billit will send Peppol invoices to this customer using the GLN address, unless you change the preference later.
Even if you use a GLN number to send invoices via Peppol, the following still applies:
Is your customer VAT-liable?
Then the VAT number must always be entered in the customer file and shown on the invoice.
This is a legal requirement under Belgian VAT legislation.
You now know what a GLN number is, how to add it in Billit, and how to set it as the preferred identifier for e-invoicing via Peppol. This ensures that your invoices are delivered to the correct location or department.
