E-way bill, short for ‘electronic way bill’, is a document used by the government to monitor the movement of goods.
E-way bill supersedes the previous state-specific waybills, and under GST, e-way bill follows a standard set of rules throughout the nation. According to the current GST rules, you need to generate an e-way bill online for intra- and inter-state consignment of goods if the value of the shipment exceeds Rs. 50,000. The electronic bill was introduced to check tax evasion, effectively track goods, and boost the industry.
Read on to know more about e-way bill, how to log in and register for them, and how to generate e-way bill.
What is an e-way bill?
A GST e-way bill is generated online via the government portal whenever you want to transport goods valued at more than Rs. 50,000 in a vehicle. Upon generating an e-way bill, a unique e-Waybill number (EBN) is accessible to the transporter, recipient, and supplier through a common portal. Implementation of the e-Waybill system of monitoring the transport of goods started on 1 April 2018.
What are the benefits of an e-way bill?
The e-way bill system provides the industry with a range of benefits, some of which are:
- Faster and more seamless movement of goods, both intra- and inter-state.
- Quicker turnaround times, owing to the abolition of check posts.
- Improved country-wide logistics network and hence, less traffic congestion on major routes.
- A convenient billing system, as bills can be generated online.
- Better tax compliance, since the system is online.
When is an e-way bill required and when it is not?
An e-way bill is to be generated:
- When a registered person or transporter undertakes the transportation of goods worth more than Rs. 50,000.
- For inter-state transfer of goods, even if they are worth less than Rs. 50,000, for job work.
- For inter-state consignments of goods involving a GST-exempted dealer.
An e-way bill is not required:
- When goods are transported in a non-motor vehicle.
- When tax-exempt goods, barring de-oiled cake, are being transported.
- For consignments under customs supervision.
Who should generate an e-way bill?
In India, the responsibility of generating an e-way bill lies with the consignor, consignee, or the transporter. It is mandatory for individuals or businesses involved in the interstate movement of goods with a value exceeding Rs. 50,000. Compliance with e-way bill regulations ensures seamless transportation and facilitates effective tax administration.
How is the e-way bill calculated?
The e-way bill needs the PIN Codes for the starting and ending locations. The system then calculates the distance between them to determine the validity period.
How to register on the e-way bill portal
To generate an e-way bill, you must first log in to the e-way bill portal, meaning that you must first register online.
To register,
- Visit the official portal and close the e-way login popup box if it appears.
- Hover over the ‘registration’ tab, and click on ‘e-Waybill registration’.
- Enter your GSTIN and the captcha code and hit ‘go’.
- Check the auto-populated details and verify them via OTP.
- Create a new e-Waybill login user ID and password.
Unregistered transporters can use their transporter ID instead of a GST number.
How to generate an e-way bill?
You can generate an e-Waybill on the online portal following these steps:
- Visit the official website and click on the GST e-Waybill login button.
- Enter your user ID and password to log in.
- Select ‘generate New’ through the e-way bill tab.
- Fill details for transaction type, sub-type, document type, number, and date, from/ to, transporter details and item details.
- Click submit and print the bill containing the EBN.
Documents required to generate e-Way Bill
To generate an e-way bill in India, you need the following documents:
- Invoice or bill of supply: Provide the invoice or bill of supply related to the goods being transported, containing details such as the description, quantity, value, tax, etc.
- Transporter ID or vehicle number: Include the transporter's ID or vehicle number, essential for tracking the movement of goods.
- Transport by road, rail, air, or ship: Specify the mode of transportation and relevant details, such as transport document number, date, and vehicle type.
- GST Identification Number (GSTIN): Furnish the GSTIN of the consignor and consignee.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of these documents to facilitate a smooth and compliant e-way bill generation process.
If you find the portal-based e-way bill system, login procedure and process time-consuming, then you can also generate bills via SMS in emergencies. While using this mode, you can bypass the e-way bill login system, but you must still first register for this provision.
Once you register for the SMS facility, you can generate/ cancel bills using the correct set of SMS codes.
GST e-way bill is one provision that benefits the transportation industry.
As a transporter of goods, it helps to know the other provisions available to you, such as Bajaj Finance collateral-free Business Loan. This can help keep your business on the road, and easy access to financing ensures that you are not stalled for any reason. Bajaj Finance gives you funding of up to Rs. 80 lakh through a 48 hours approval procedure, and you can apply with just two documents.
You can also opt for a Flexi Loan to withdraw from your approved sanction in parts on the go.
