Alphanumeric CNPJ will impact electronic tax documents starting in 2026

The implementation of the new CNPJ will require updates to company systems

Starting July 6, 2026, electronic tax documents in Brazil will allow the use of alphanumeric CNPJ. Issued on May 8, Joint Technical Note No. 2025.001 lists the necessary adaptations and provides guidance on validation rules, access keys, barcode standards, among other matters.

The change, which will directly impact billing and document issuance systems in the country, covers items such as the Electronic Invoice (NF-e), the Electronic Consumer Invoice (NFC-e), the Electronic Transport Knowledge (CT-e), the Electronic Tax Document Manifest (MDF-e), among others.

Provided for by Regulatory Instruction No. 2,229/2024, the measure that changes the CNPJ format aims to expand the capacity for generating identifiers due to the exhaustion of the current model.

About the Alphanumeric CNPJ

The new identification number will have the same length as the current one, with 14 characters. The first eight will be alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and will identify the root of the new number.

The four characters following the root will also be alphanumeric (letters and numbers) and will identify the order of the establishment to be registered. The last two positions will be numeric, identifying the check digits.
Existing CNPJs (numeric type) will remain valid and recognized by the systems. Thus, legal entities with a CNPJ in the current numeric-only format will not need to change their registration.

Read more: Federal Revenue Service announces alphanumeric CNPJ starting in 2026

Specialized Support

DPC monitors legislative changes to provide support for businesses of various sizes and sectors in the Brazilian market. To receive this assistance and ensure business compliance, please contact our team at: dpc@dpc.com.br.