(Yicai Global) Feb. 18 -- Alibaba Group Holding has  issued its first blockchain-based invoice on its premium Tmall platform  as part of efforts to develop applications for the cutting-edge digital  ledger in the e-commerce sector.

The Hangzhou-based online shopping giant has been  testing blockchain invoices since the turn of the year in conjunction  with local tax authorities in southern Guangdong province, local state  newspaper Yangcheng Evening News reported. A Guangdong-based Tmall store  operator became the first to use the service, which will be expanded  gradually. 

The platform will issue blockchain invoices  automatically based on customers' purchases at pilot stores. Customers  can preview the invoices in real time before downloading them or saving  them on the Taobao mobile app.

Blockchain allows for secure data-sharing among tax  authorities, invoice service providers and taxpayers, while also  promoting online invoice regulation, according to the tax bureau.