Some suppliers send their invoices in the standard Peppol format without integrating a PDF into the XML. Without a PDF, it is difficult for software not set up for this to display the invoice.
To address this issue, Lucy has implemented a mock-up PDF that makes the content of the UBL invoice visible in the software.
Important disclaimer: This mock-up PDF is not a legal document. It serves as a visual aid only. Consequently, this document cannot be accessed outside of the software.
This is why clients cannot open the attachment via Lucy's email notifications. Lucy should not send a PDF invoice in such cases unless the PDF is correctly integrated into the XML by the supplier. We have raised this issue with our developers with a request to adjust this.
What can you do yourself?
Unfortunately, it is not mandatory for suppliers to include a PDF. Therefore, we recommend contacting your supplier and asking them to embed the PDF in the XML.
Example message to your supplier:
Thank you for your response. You send invoices in the standard Peppol format. Within this format, there is an option to embed a PDF in the XML. The technical details can be found here: https://docs.peppol.eu/poacc/billing/3.0/syntax/ubl-invoice/cac-BillingReference/cac-InvoiceDocumentReference/ Technically, this field is not mandatory, but without a PDF, it is very difficult for us as a customer and for our accountant to read, verify, and process invoices. Moreover, before January 1, 2026, it was mandatory to supply a PDF, which means this functionality already exists. Therefore, we ask that you also send this PDF via Peppol by embedding it in the XML, ensuring that all relevant information correctly reaches the end customer and their accountant. Thank you in advance for your understanding and consideration to implement this.
Because this is not a requirement, and it may occur more frequently over time that no PDFs are sent, you can also inquire about the vision on this from Bosa, the Belgian Peppol Authority via this contact form.