invoice print out-reg

[Ramakrishnan Seshadri]

Dear Sir,

We are manufacturing automobile components. We are issuing invoices around 2000 to 2500 numbers per day. As per central excise rules under rule 11 invoices should be in original for buyer,duplicate for transporter ,triplicate for assessee and extra copy.

The extra copy will be acknowledgement copy.

Our question is shall we avoid taking the triplicate copy and keep it in pdf format in the system. whether there is any provision in keeping the triplicate copy in pdf format under central excise rules.

Awaiting your reply.

Thanks and Regards,

S.Ramakrishnan.

[VINOD KUMAR]

Please refer rule 11(3) of CER 2002 which says:-

"The invoice shall be prepared in triplicate in the following manner, namely:-

(i) the original copy being marked as ORIGINAL FOR BUYER;

(ii) the duplicate copy being marked as DUPLICATE FOR TRANSPORTER;

(iii) the triplicate copy being marked as TRIPLICATE FOR ASSESSEE".

It appears that the invoice should be in printed form including the Triplicate invoice.

[SANJAY CHATURVEDI]

Dear Ramakrishnan,

You can save this file in PDF format for your record. but that it should be in their original form.

AI Summary

Invoice triplicate requirement: triplicate must be maintained in original printed form; PDF may be kept for records. The regulatory provision requires excise invoices to be prepared in three copies marked as original for buyer, duplicate for transporter and triplicate for assessee, implying printed invoices in the prescribed form. Maintaining a PDF copy for internal records is permissible as supplementary archival evidence, but it does not replace the statutory requirement to retain the triplicate in its original/printed form for compliance and transport documentation.