What Is the MDF-e
The MDF-e (Manifesto Eletrônico de Documentos Fiscais) is Brazil's electronic transport manifest. When a single vehicle is loaded with multiple NF-e or multiple CT-e, an MDF-e must be issued to "aggregate" them into one transport declaration. The MDF-e is not an invoice; it is the official declaration of "which invoiced goods this vehicle is carrying during a given period."
At roadside checks, officers will ask to see the MDF-e. If a vehicle is carrying 5 NF-e but has no MDF-e issued, it may be deemed tax evasion, resulting in seizure of the goods plus fines. Interstate shipping always requires an MDF-e; intrastate shipping is optional depending on each state's rules.
Who Needs to Issue an MDF-e
- Carriers (logistics companies): issue one MDF-e per trip when carrying multiple shipments
- Shippers operating their own transport: must issue it themselves when delivering with their own fleet and drivers
- 3PL / overseas warehouses: must issue it for interstate distribution
Core Capabilities of TF Fiscal's MDF-e API
1. Automatic Aggregation of Multiple NF-e / CT-e
Pass in the list of NF-e (or CT-e) to be loaded, and the platform automatically totals the value, weight and destination distribution and generates the MDF-e.
2. Full Binding of Driver, Vehicle and Insurance
Declare the driver's CPF, CNH (driver's license number), license plate, insurance policy number and insurer information in one step. You can build a reusable master database of drivers and vehicles.
3. Transport Route Node Declaration
Supports declaring transit nodes, loading points and unloading points along the transport route.
4. Closing, Cancellation and Supplementary Events
Once transport is complete, the MDF-e must be formally "closed" (Encerramento). Along the way you can register events such as adding NF-e to the load (Inclusão de NFe), changing the driver (Alteração de Motorista) and more.
5. Auditable Traceability Chain
Trace from an MDF-e back to its NF-e / CT-e, and from an NF-e / CT-e back to its MDF-e, forming a complete transport chain for tax authority audits.
Typical Use Cases
- Interstate bulk cargo transport (the most common case)
- In-house 3PL warehouse fulfillment (issue NF-e + CT-e + MDF-e together after warehouse outbound)
- Last-mile delivery for cross-border overseas warehouses
- Consolidated delivery for multiple merchants (aggregating NF-e from several sellers)
Pricing
The MDF-e is included in TF Fiscal plans; we recommend using it together with the CT-e API and the NF-e API. See Pricing for details. Customers with high interstate shipping volumes can contact sales for a customized enterprise solution.
FAQ
Q: What's the difference between the MDF-e and the CT-e?
The CT-e is the "transport contract for a single shipment" (one issued per shipment). The MDF-e is the "aggregated manifest of multiple shipments on one vehicle." For the same vehicle carrying 10 shipments interstate, you need 10 CT-e + 1 MDF-e.
Q: Is it required for intrastate transport too?
It depends on state rules. Large states such as São Paulo and Minas Gerais don't mandate it intrastate; but some states (e.g., RJ, BA) require it intrastate above a certain value. We recommend issuing it in all cases to avoid risk.
Q: What happens if an MDF-e is never closed (Encerramento)?
The tax authority system flags the vehicle as "in transit," and the next attempt to issue a new MDF-e may be rejected. Once transport is complete you must promptly call the API to close the MDF-e.
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