A SMP (Service Metadata Publisher) is a component of the PEPPOL network that publishes what a given participant can receive — specifically which document types they support and at which access point endpoint URL. Senders query the SMP before delivering any document, so they know exactly where and how to send it.
The lookup chain works as follows:
- Sender queries the SML (Service Metadata Locator) — a DNS-based registry — to find which SMP hosts the receiver's metadata
- Sender queries that SMP to retrieve the receiver's endpoint URL and supported document types
- Sender delivers the document to the receiver's access point via AS4
Each PEPPOL participant is registered in exactly one SMP, identified by their PEPPOL ID (scheme + value, e.g. 0184:CHE123456789).
Key facts
- Standard: OASIS SMP 1.0 / 2.0
- Works with: SML (DNS) for SMP discovery
- Each access point operator runs an SMP for their connected participants
- Allows dynamic routing without central message broker
- Central EU SMP operated by the European Commission (for public procurement)