Decree 123: The Forensic Standard for Invoices

Since July 1, 2022, Vietnam has enforced **Decree 123/2020/ND-CP**, mandating that all enterprises use **Electronic Invoices (E-Invoices)**. Paper invoices are no longer legally valid for tax purposes in Vietnam.

Why This Matters for UFLPA

In a UFLPA detention, Customs often suspects that commercial documents are forged (photoshopped). Decree 123 solves this. An E-Invoice is not a PDF; it is an **XML file** containing a cryptographic digital signature from the supplier and a validation code from the **General Department of Taxation (GDT)**.

XML E-Invoice

Has a digital signature. Validated by tax authorities. Impossible to alter retroactively without breaking the hash. Accepted as "Clear and Convincing Evidence."

Scanned PDF

Easily edited in Adobe Acrobat. No metadata. Does not prove the transaction was reported to the government. High Risk of Rejection.

How to Verify an Invoice

ChainVetter's Audit Defense Packet includes an automated validation of the Decree 123 XML structure. You can also verify manually on the official portal: hoadondientu.gdt.gov.vn.

Legal Reference

Full text of Decree 123/2020/ND-CP can be found on Thu Vien Phap Luat (Law Library).