How long does the former delivery-service provider have to deregister a participant?
Short answer
When a certified delivery-service provider is changed, the former provider must deregister the participant from the central Service Metadata Publisher, or SMP, through the API or web interface no later than three working days after the contractual relationship ends. The participant can register with the new provider only after that step.
Deadline for deregistration
It is counted from the termination of the contract with the original provider.
Method of deregistration
The provider performs it technically in the central SMP.
Termination → deregistration → registration
The new registration follows up only after the release of the original one.
Peppol authority SK
If the provider does not meet the deadline, a complaint can be filed.
Detailed explanation
This timeframe is part of the standard four-step procedure for changing providers: first, the contract with the original provider is terminated in accordance with the agreed terms; next, the original provider carries out the deregistration within the specified timeframe; then, the provider informs the customer that the account has been released; and finally, the customer registers with the new provider, who enters them into the central register. Adherence to this timeframe is particularly important if a company has planned a specific switchover date and does not want the new provider to attempt registration before the previous one has been cancelled.
As set out in the Act
This timeframe stems from the operational rules and contractual obligations of certified delivery service providers within the Peppol network, which are overseen by the Peppol Authority of the Slovak Republic (Financial Directorate of the Slovak Republic). The provider’s obligation to duly provide a certified delivery service is laid down in Section 76a of Act No. 222/2004 Coll. on VAT, as amended by Act No. 385/2025 Coll.
Practical examples
- The company will terminate its contract with the original postal service provider on the 30th day of the month; deregistration will take place within three working days.
- The new provider will wait for confirmation of the termination before registering the company in its system.
- If the provider fails to meet the deadline, the company may lodge a complaint with the Peppol Authority of the Slovak Republic.
Most common mistakes
- “Deregistration takes place immediately on the day the contract is terminated.” The provider has up to three working days from the termination of the contract to complete this.
- “A new provider may register the company even before deregistration with the original provider has taken place.” Registration with the new provider can only take place once the original provider has confirmed the release.
- “Each provider sets its own deadline for deregistration.” This is a standard, uniformly applied three-day period under the network’s operating rules.
Conclusion
The former provider must complete central SMP deregistration within three working days after the contract ends, before registration with the new provider.
Legal basis
- Act No. 222/2004 Coll. on VAT, Section 76a (as amended by Act No. 385/2025 Coll.)
- Operational rules of the Peppol Authority of the Slovak Republic
Related questions
- What if the provider fails to meet the deadline?
- What are migration codes?
- What should you look out for in the terms and conditions?
This is not legal advice. Sources: Act No. 222/2004 Coll. on VAT, Act No. 431/2002 Coll. on Accounting, official methodological and information materials from the Slovak Financial Administration on e-invoicing, the Peppol (OpenPeppol) network operating rules and the Peppol Authority Specific Requirements for the Slovak Republic. Verified on 7 July 2026.