How does NF-e tracking work?
Speaking of the NF-e, a reasonable question is about tracking the NF-e (Electronic Invoice). You can track an NF-e using a document called the DANFE (Auxiliary Document of the Electronic Invoice). To clarify the NF-e tracking process further, we'll explain the flow of sending the NF-e, from its generation to the carrier.
Flow of sending the NF-e
In short, the business issuing the NF-e logs into its NF-e issuing software — like TagPlus — over the internet and generates an NF-e with the information about the commercial transaction between it and its customer.
The TagPlus system then runs automatic checks to make sure the technical requirements are met while and after the NF-e is filled out. When the user submits the NF-e, TagPlus digitally signs the file (through the electronic signature, which guarantees data integrity and the issuer's authorship), encrypts it, and sends the .XML (the NF-e's file extension) to the State Treasury Department (SEFAZ) where the issuing taxpayer is registered, over the internet.
When SEFAZ receives the file, it runs a pre-validation process and returns a receipt protocol (Authorization of Use), without which the goods cannot be transported. This authorization is received by the issuing software, which stores the approved .XML and automatically sends the electronic file to the NF-e's recipient.
It's after this step that the DANFE gets printed on regular paper — a simplified graphic representation of the NF-e used to accompany the goods in transit. From there, you can track the issued NF-e.
NF-e tracking: the DANFE
The DANFE (Auxiliary Document of the Electronic Invoice), as explained, is a simplified representation of the NF-e. This document carries a 44-digit numeric key for looking up the Electronic Invoice's information (the Access Key), lets you track the goods in transit by providing basic information about the transaction underway (issuer, recipient, amounts, etc.), and also helps with bookkeeping for transactions documented by an NF-e, when the recipient isn't a taxpayer accredited to issue the NF-e.
Besides the access key for looking up the NF-e online, the DANFE also carries a two-dimensional barcode that makes it easier for tax units to capture and confirm the NF-e's information.
The DANFE is not an invoice, and doesn't replace one — it only serves as an auxiliary tool for looking up the NF-e, since it carries the NF-e's access key, which lets whoever holds this document confirm the NF-e actually exists through the National Environment (RFB) or the SEFAZ website.
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