Every time you buy something at a physical store in Brazil, your printed receipt comes with a clearly visible QR Code. But what exactly does it do? And for the retailer: is that QR the same one you'd create for marketing, or is it something completely different?
There are two entirely separate worlds here — the mandatory fiscal QR (generated by the tax authority / issuing system) and the optional marketing QR (which you can add to the receipt yourself). Confusing the two causes headaches. This article explains both, for shoppers and for retailers.
The NFC-e / NFe QR Code: what it is
The NFC-e (Brazilian Electronic Consumer Invoice) is the electronic fiscal document used in retail sales — the receipt you get at the bakery, supermarket, or pharmacy. The NFe is used for business-to-business transactions or higher-value sales.
Since the government mandated electronic issuance, every printed NFC-e receipt must include a QR Code automatically generated by the issuing system (point-of-sale software + digital certificate + communication with SEFAZ, the state tax authority). This QR points to the state SEFAZ portal, where anyone can verify the document's authenticity.
Bottom line: the fiscal QR is NOT created by the retailer "by hand." It is produced by the issuing system according to SEFAZ technical standards, with an access key, digital signature, and everything required by law. The retailer does not choose the content of this QR.
For the shopper: how to scan and check your receipt
Step by step
- Open your phone's camera (or a QR reader app like Code2Scan's QR Code Scanner).
- Point at the QR Code on the printed receipt or in the email/SMS the store sent you.
- Tap the link that appears on screen — it redirects to the state SEFAZ portal (e.g.,
nfce.sefaz.rs.gov.br,nfce.fazenda.sp.gov.br). - Check the details: the store's tax ID (CNPJ), date/time, list of items, amounts, and taxes.
- Save your receipt digitally: bookmark the link or take a screenshot. Many portals let you download the XML or the DANFE as a PDF.
Tip: no internet at the time? Some receipts also show the access key (a 44-digit number) — you can enter that key on the SEFAZ portal later.
What you can verify
| Information | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Store tax ID (CNPJ) | Confirms it's the right business (protects against fraud) |
| Date and time of issue | Should match when you made the purchase |
| Items and quantities | Check that what was charged is what you took home |
| Total and change | Confirms the amount charged |
| Taxes (ICMS, etc.) | Fiscal transparency — you may even claim tax rebates via state programs |
| Status ("Authorized") | Confirms the invoice was accepted by SEFAZ — a "Cancelled" status is a red flag |
For the retailer: how the fiscal QR works
It's mandatory and automatic
If you issue NFC-e invoices, the fiscal QR is already being generated by your ERP / POS system (such as Bling, Olist, TOTVS, Linx, etc.) at the moment of issuance. You don't need to — and shouldn't — create this QR manually. It follows the SEFAZ technical standard (NFC-e Taxpayer Guidance Manual), complete with digital signature and verification code.
What you should do: make sure your issuing system is up to date, that the printed receipt is legible (well-calibrated printer, minimum QR size), and that the SEFAZ portal URL in the QR is correct for your state.
What the fiscal QR does NOT do
- Does not redirect to your website
- Does not collect customer data
- Does not allow scan tracking
- Cannot be customized with a logo
For all of that, there's the marketing QR — which is a completely different topic.
The opportunity for retailers: a marketing QR on the receipt
Nothing prevents a printed receipt or product packaging from also carrying a second QR Code — one that you create, pointing wherever you choose. Practical examples:
| Marketing QR on the receipt | Destination | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| "Rate your experience" | Google Form / Typeform | Collect feedback |
| "Get 10% off your next purchase" | Coupon page or WhatsApp | Drive repeat sales |
| "Register your warranty" | Registration form | Build your customer database |
| "View the product manual" | PDF or tutorial video | Support and satisfaction |
| "Follow us on Instagram" | Social profile | Grow your audience |
You create this QR with a tool like Code2Scan's QR Code generator. And if you use a dynamic QR, you can also track how many customers scanned it, from which store, and at what time.
Label clearly on the receipt: add a small caption below each QR — "Invoice" and "Rate us here" — so the customer knows which is which. Mixing them without labels is confusing.
Common mistakes
❌ Trying to "replace" the fiscal QR with a marketing QR
These are legally different documents. The fiscal QR is a legal requirement. Never remove or cover it. The marketing QR is an addition.
❌ Printing receipts with an unreadable QR
Thermal printers with worn ribbons, humidity, or poor-quality paper can blur the QR. Run weekly readability tests. Check the minimum size rules.
❌ Relying solely on the QR to keep your invoice
The SEFAZ portal can go offline. Always keep the XML or the DANFE PDF as well — your accountant will thank you.
❌ Creating the fiscal QR manually
If you're generating the NFC-e QR outside your issuing system, something is wrong with the process. The QR must be generated with the digital signature from an A1/A3 certificate. Contact your software vendor.
❌ Marketing QR with no tracking
A static QR stuck to a receipt tells you nothing. Use a dynamic QR to find out whether customers are actually scanning. See how dynamic QR Codes work.
Security: how to tell if the QR is authentic
The NFC-e QR Code always points to the official SEFAZ domain for your state (e.g., www.nfce.fazenda.sp.gov.br). If scanning the QR takes you to a different site — especially one asking for personal details, card numbers, or passwords — close it immediately. It's fraud.
Read more about QR Code security before scanning unknown QRs.
QR Codes in the wider retail experience
The invoice QR is just one touchpoint. Other QR Codes that complement the shopping experience:
- PIX QR Code at checkout — instant payment
- QR Code on product packaging — instructions, warranty, repeat purchase
- QR Code for parcel tracking — post-sale and logistics
Each plays a different role in the customer journey.
Summary
- The fiscal QR (NFC-e/NFe) is generated automatically by the issuing system — the retailer doesn't create it; the shopper scans it to verify the invoice at SEFAZ.
- Shoppers can verify authenticity, items charged, and taxes via the fiscal QR.
- Retailers can add a separate marketing QR to the receipt for reviews, repeat purchases, or warranty registration — but must clearly label both.
- Use a dynamic QR to track customer engagement with the marketing QR.
- Never confuse or overlap the fiscal QR and the marketing QR.
Ready to create a marketing QR for your receipt or packaging? Generate it now at Code2Scan — free, no sign-up required, PNG and SVG export.
