What it is
An e-way bill is generated on the GST portal for the movement of goods above a value set by the rules. It records the consignor, the consignee, the goods, the invoice and the vehicle. Officers can check it at any point during the journey.
Who generates it
Usually the supplier generates it before the goods move. The recipient or the transporter can also generate it in the situations the rules allow. Some movements are exempt, and the value limit and exemptions can change, so confirm the current rule before you dispatch.
What the validity depends on
Validity is linked to the distance the goods travel. If a delay makes the journey longer than planned, the bill may need to be extended before it expires.
Common mistakes
Most roadside problems come from mismatched details. A short pre-dispatch checklist prevents nearly all of them.
- Dispatching before generating the bill.
- Entering a wrong distance, HSN code or vehicle number.
- Not updating the vehicle number when the goods change vehicles.
- Letting the bill expire on a delayed journey.
- Raising an invoice that does not match the bill.
Quick answers
Can I cancel an e-way bill?
A bill can be cancelled within a short window if the goods were not moved or details were wrong. After that, you generate a fresh one.
Do I need one for local movement?
Rules differ by state and by value. We confirm what applies to your route.
This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Rules, limits and due dates change, so we confirm the current position before you act on it.