Time of Issuing Electronic Invoices under Decree No. 254/2026/ND-CP
On 30 June 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 254/2026/ND-CP, providing detailed guidance on the Law on Tax Administration regarding electronic invoices and electronic documents. The Decree includes important provisions on the timing for issuing electronic invoices.
Please see the attached file for more details: 254_2026_ND-CP_714920
Pursuant to Article 9 of Decree No. 254/2026/ND-CP, the timing for issuing electronic invoices is as follows:
1. Sale of Goods
The invoice must be issued at the time ownership or the right to use the goods is transferred to the buyer, regardless of whether payment has been received.
For exports of goods (including goods processed for export), the seller may determine the time of issuing a commercial e-invoice, VAT e-invoice, or sales e-invoice, provided that it is no later than the next working day following customs clearance in accordance with customs regulations.
2. Provision of Services
The invoice must be issued when the service has been completed, including services provided to foreign organizations and individuals, regardless of whether payment has been received.
Where payment is collected before or during the provision of the service, the invoice must be issued at the time of payment, except for security deposits collected in accordance with the Civil Code to secure the performance of a service contract.
3. Multiple Deliveries or Phased Service Completion
Where goods are delivered in multiple shipments or services are handed over by stages, items, or milestones, an invoice must be issued for each delivery or completed stage, corresponding to the quantity and value of the goods or services delivered.
Effective Date
The above provisions are set out in Article 9 of Decree No. 254/2026/ND-CP, which takes effect on 1 July 2026.
From the effective date of the Decree, the following legal documents are repealed:
- Decree No. 123/2020/ND-CP on invoices and supporting documents;
- Article 1 of Decree No. 41/2022/ND-CP, which amended and supplemented several provisions of Decree No. 123/2020/ND-CP and Decree No. 15/2022/ND-CP;
- Decree No. 70/2025/ND-CP, which amended and supplemented several provisions of Decree No. 123/2020/ND-CP.
