About E-Way Bill:

• An e-way bill, short form for electronic way bill, is a permit needed for inter-state and intra-state transportation of goods worth more than Rs. 50,000.
• It contains details of the goods, the consignor, the recipient and the transporter.
• It can be electronically generated through the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).
• When an eway bill is generated, a unique E-way Bill Number (EBN) is allocated and is available to the supplier, recipient, and the transporter.
• Working:
  • E-way bill must be raised before the goods are shipped and should include details of the goods, their consignor, recipient and transporter.
  • Though check-posts have been abolished under GST, a consignment can be intercepted at any point for the verification of its E-way bill, for all inter-State and intra-State movement of goods.
  • If a consignment is found without an E-way bill, a penalty of ₹10,000 or tax sought to be evaded, whichever is greater, can be levied.
• Coverage:
  • The GST e-way bill became mandatory from April 1, 2018 for all inter-state transport of goods valued above Rs 50,000.
  • Starting from April 15, 2018, it was made compulsory for the moving goods within a state in a phased manner.
• Validity: The e-way bill’s validity varies depending on the distance that the goods have to travel. Typically, the bill’s validity is one day for every 100 km of movement of goods.
• Goods excluded from e-way bill’s ambit: Perishable items (such as meat, milk and milk products and fruits and vegetables), gold and silver jewellery, cooking gas cylinders, raw silk, wool and handlooms.
• Who should generate an eWay Bill?
  • Registered Person: E-Way bill must be generated when there is a movement of goods of more than Rs 50,000 in value to or from a registered person. A Registered person or the transporter may choose to generate and carry EWay bill even if the value of goods is less than Rs 50,000.
  • Unregistered Persons: Unregistered persons are also required to generate e-Way Bill. However, where a supply is made by an unregistered person to a registered person, the receiver will have to ensure all the compliances are met as if they were the supplier.
  • Transporter: Transporters carrying goods by road, air, rail, etc. also need to generate e-Way Bill if the supplier has not generated an e-Way Bill.