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Indexation of pro bono tariffs and mandatory electronic invoicing as of 1 January 2026

Circular 131/13 of 16 January 2026 concerning the indexation of criminal justice costs tariffs and related expenses has been published in the Belgian Official Gazette.

This means that for services provided as of 1 January 2026 in the context of pro bono mediations, the following rates apply:

  • Hourly fee: €61.57
  • Flat-rate compensation per mediation: €76.99

These amounts are excluding VAT.

Electronic invoicing via PEPPOL

As of 1 January 2026, electronic invoicing via PEPPOL/Mercurius is mandatory for service providers subject to VAT.

What must you do if you are subject to VAT?

  • The statement of costs must be submitted via JustInvoice; submission by email or post is no longer allowed.
  • The file must be complete before submission, including the request, approval, and supporting documents.
  • The statement of costs must first be registered in JustInvoice.
  • The invoice may only be sent via PEPPOL afterwards.
  • The invoice and the statement of costs must be linked using:
    • the ROJ-FJGK reference in the field “Order number / PO”
    • the JustInvoice number (JINV reference) stated on the invoice

What is the ROJ-FJGK reference?

Each taxation office has its own ROJ-FJGK number. This number appears in the list included in the PEPPOL guidelines and must be stated at the top of the invoice, for example:
Purchase order Antwerp = ROJ-FJGK01

In addition, each file handled by the Taxation Service receives a separate reference number. After uploading your invoice via JustInvoice, you receive an acknowledgement of receipt mentioning this file number. This number must also be stated on the invoice.

Including both the taxation office number and the file number ensures that the file can be traced correctly and quickly.

What remains unchanged?

  • A written request remains mandatory
  • Approval by the authority remains mandatory
  • Submission within 6 months after the service
  • Taxation and liquidation remain prerequisites for payment

When is an invoice inadmissible?

An invoice is inadmissible if any of the following elements are missing:

  • the ROJ-FJGK reference
  • the JustInvoice number
  • mandatory accounting data

Payment

The invoice is paid only after approved taxation and if the amount corresponds to the budgeted amount. The 30-day payment term starts once the file is complete.

For technical questions concerning PEPPOL or Mercurius, you can consult the FAQ of FPS BOSA(Opens in a new tab/window).

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