Codeblix EBS vs Paper invoices
Paper invoices are not MRA-compliant. Codeblix is.
Paper invoices cannot be MRA-fiscalised. Codeblix eInvoicing is fully MRA-compliant from day one.
Paper invoices cannot be MRA-fiscalised. If you are VAT-registered in Mauritius, paper invoices do not satisfy the e-invoicing requirement. Codeblix eInvoicing is the MRA-approved, low-cost alternative that lets you keep printing invoices for customers who want paper while staying fully compliant.
TL;DR verdict
Paper invoices are not MRA-compliant. If you are VAT-registered, you must use an MRA-approved EBS for every invoice. Codeblix eInvoicing lets you keep printing paper invoices for customers who want them (e.g. elderly customers, walk-in retail) while staying MRA-compliant behind the scenes.
Why paper invoices are not enough
Paper invoices cannot be fiscalised with the MRA. They have no IRN, no QR code, no hash chain. For a VAT-registered business in Mauritius, issuing a paper invoice is the same as issuing no invoice at all — non-compliant, and subject to MRA penalties.
Codeblix eInvoicing at a glance
Codeblix is one MRA-approved product covering invoicing, fiscalisation, POS, inventory, accounting, payroll, CRM, and reporting. Cloud-native, MUR pricing from MUR 1,500/month. Every Codeblix invoice can be printed to A4 or thermal receipt printer — paper is fine, as long as the invoice is MRA-fiscalised first.
Feature-by-feature comparison
The table below compares Codeblix against a typical paper-based invoicing setup.
Where Codeblix wins
Codeblix is MRA-approved. Every invoice is fiscalised, has an IRN, and has a QR code. You can print to A4 or thermal receipt printer, so customers who want paper still get paper. But the invoice is MRA-compliant.
Where paper wins
Paper does not need electricity. If you operate in a context with frequent power cuts and no internet (which is rare in urban Mauritius but exists in some rural areas), paper has a fallback. With Codeblix offline mode, this is not a real advantage — Codeblix issues invoices even without internet and prints them when the printer has power.
How to switch from paper to Codeblix
Start by entering your existing customer list into Codeblix. Set up your product list. Start issuing MRA-fiscalised invoices. Continue printing paper copies for customers who want them. Typical setup: 1-3 business days.
Pricing comparison
Codeblix starts at MUR 1,500/month. The cost of paper, printer ink, and storage for one year is typically MUR 5,000-15,000+ for a small business — more than Codeblix Starter. And you avoid MRA penalties on top.
Who should choose which
If you are VAT-registered in Mauritius, you must use an MRA-approved EBS. Codeblix eInvoicing is the MRA-approved option that still lets you print paper invoices for customers who want them. Pure paper invoicing is no longer a choice for VAT-registered businesses.
Internal links
Read our complete MRA e-invoicing guide, MRA fiscalisation explained, and Codeblix thermal printer support.
See also
Read our MRA fiscalisation explained and the real cost of MRA non-compliance for context on why paper alone is no longer enough.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Codeblix EBS | Paper invoices |
|---|---|---|
| MRA e-invoicing (real-time fiscalisation) | Yes, MRA-approved (SN 95) | No, paper cannot be fiscalised |
| Cost per year (small business) | MUR 18,000 (Starter annual) | MUR 5,000-15,000+ in paper, ink, storage + MRA penalty risk |
| Customer receives paper copy | Yes, optional A4 or thermal print | Yes, paper is the default |
| Searchable invoice history | Yes, full-text search | No, manual filing |
| Automatic storage and backup | Yes, encrypted, multi-region | No, files get lost or damaged |
| Real-time sales reports | Yes, sales, P&L, VAT | No, manual calculations |
| MRA audit trail | Yes, transaction report with IRN | No, just paper copies |
| Works without electricity | In offline mode, yes | Yes (no electricity needed for paper) |
| MRA penalties for non-compliance | None — MRA-compliant | Likely — paper invoices are not MRA-fiscalised |
Pricing comparison
Where Codeblix wins
- ✓ MRA e-invoicing compliant out of the box (SN 95)
- ✓ Print to A4 or thermal receipt printer — paper customers are happy
- ✓ Searchable invoice history
- ✓ Automatic storage and backup
- ✓ Real-time sales reports — no manual calculations
- ✓ MRA audit-ready with full transaction report
Where Paper invoices wins
- ✗ Requires electricity (but so does your printer, scanner, lights, etc.)
- ✗ Requires a one-time setup (1-3 days)
FAQ
Can I still print invoices from Codeblix?
Yes. You can print any invoice to A4 or thermal receipt printer. Print is in addition to the electronic MRA-fiscalised record, not a replacement for it.
Do I need to stop using paper entirely?
No. Many customers (elderly, walk-in retail, hospitality) prefer paper. Codeblix lets you print paper copies while staying MRA-compliant. The MRA record is electronic; the customer copy is paper.
What if I have been issuing paper invoices until now?
You are non-compliant and at risk of MRA penalties. The fastest path back to compliance is to sign up with Codeblix eInvoicing and contact the MRA to discuss your specific situation. Most businesses are back to compliance within a week.
Is Codeblix expensive compared to paper?
Headline: yes, paper is cheaper. Total cost: for a VAT-registered business, no — paper invoicing triggers MRA penalties that easily exceed a year of Codeblix Standard. Plus you save hours of manual work and gain searchable history.