What EIS is
EIS is a fiscalisation and electronic invoicing service. Your POS or accounting system sends each sale to MRA through an API. MRA validates the invoice and returns a validation link that the buyer can use to confirm the invoice is genuine.
The main pieces
- Certified product: the software you use must be registered with MRA for EIS.
- Terminal: each point where you issue invoices, such as a till, is a terminal.
- Terminal activation code: MRA issues a code that your software uses to activate the terminal.
- Configuration: after activation the software downloads settings such as tax rates from MRA.
- Invoice submission: each sale is sent to MRA, which returns a validation link.
- QR code: the validation link is printed on the receipt as a QR code for the buyer.
Step by step: from activation to a validated receipt
- Confirm with MRA and your software provider which terminals you need.
- Receive a terminal activation code from MRA for each terminal.
- Enter the code in your software to activate the terminal.
- Let the software download the current EIS configuration, including tax rates.
- Make sure products carry the right tax treatment.
- Sell as normal. Each finalised sale is submitted to EIS.
- Print or share the receipt with the QR code so the buyer can validate it.
What happens when the internet is down
The EIS rules provide for offline signing: when the software cannot reach MRA, sales can be signed locally within limits that MRA sets and transmitted when the connection is back. Check with MRA what the current offline limits are for your terminals, and do not stay offline longer than allowed.
Corrections, credit notes and voids
Once an invoice has been submitted, you do not delete it. Returns and price corrections are made with credit notes or debit notes that are also submitted, so your records and MRA's records stay in step.
A checklist before you go live
- Your TPIN and business details are correct with MRA.
- You know which terminals you need and have activation codes for them.
- Your product list has clean names and the right tax treatment.
- Staff know how to issue credit notes instead of cancelling sales.
- Receipts print the QR code clearly.
- You have a plan for internet outages.
How InsightBooks fits in
InsightBooks has an MRA EIS module built on the EIS API published by MRA. A sale is posted to your books first and then submitted to EIS, so accounting and fiscal records agree. Going live depends on MRA onboarding for your terminals, so contact us to confirm availability for your business.
Frequently asked questions
Does every business need EIS?
MRA decides which taxpayers must use EIS and when. Check with MRA whether and from when it applies to your business.
What is a terminal activation code?
A code issued by MRA that your software uses once to activate a terminal with EIS.
What does the QR code on an EIS receipt do?
It holds the validation link returned by MRA so the buyer can check that the invoice was submitted.
Sources
- MRA EIS developer documentation. Snapshot captured 2026-07-22 and reviewed 2026-10-08.
- Malawi Revenue Authority. Official source for current rules and onboarding.
Related
- MRA EIS Electronic Invoicing IntegrationHow InsightBooks connects sales to the Malawi Revenue Authority Electronic Invoicing System (EIS): terminal activation, invoice submission, QR validation and offline signing.
- Invoicing and Quotation Software in MalawiCreate quotations, convert them to invoices, record customer payments, issue credit and debit notes and track what customers owe. Built for businesses in Malawi.
- POS Software for Shops in MalawiPoint of sale for Malawian shops: fast checkout, cash and mobile money, receipts, automatic till open and close and a daily sales report emailed at 19:00.