E-Way Bill: A Complete Guide

If you deal with transporting goods in India, you’ve probably heard the term E-Way Bill. But what is it really? In this blog, we will explain everything in simple words.

What is an E-Way Bill?

It’s a paper you make online when you're sending stuff (goods) from one place to another in India. If that stuff is worth more than ₹50,000, and you're sending it by truck, train, air, or even handcart, you must create an E-Way Bill. It's like a digital pass. No E-Way Bill = Trouble. Your goods can get stopped, seized, or fined.

Why is It Needed?

• To stop tax theft
• To track where goods are going
• To make things smooth at checkpoints

For example, you are sending cement bags worth ₹80,000 from Delhi to Lucknow. You must make an E-Way Bill before the truck leaves.

Who Should Make the E-Way Bill?

One of these people must make it:

• Person sending the goods (seller)
• Person getting the goods (buyer)
• Transporter (lorry guy or company)

Even if you're using your own car, you need it!

E-Way Bill Layout: Who Should Generate it?

The E-Way Bill is made up of two parts: Part A and Part B. It includes full details about the goods and the vehicle moving them.

Part A: Info About the Goods

This part talks about what you're sending and where it's going. Here’s what you need to fill:

• GSTIN of the person receiving the goods
• Place where goods will be delivered
• Invoice or Challan Number
• Date of Invoice or Challan
• Value of the goods (₹₹₹)
• HSN Code (Product Category Code)
• Reason for Transport (like Sale, Return, Transfer)
• Transport Document Number (LR Number or Airway Bill, etc.)

Part B: Info About the Transport

This part is about how the goods are being moved. You just need to fill:

• Vehicle Number (Truck, van, tempo, etc.)

If the goods are moved by road, train, airplane, or even handcart, this part is mandatory.

Ways to Generate an E-way Bill

You can make or cancel an E-Way Bill using:

• Online Portal (computer or mobile)
• SMS (for people without computers)
• App (for quick access)

To use any of these, you must have:

• A valid GSTIN
• A login ID and password for the E-Way Bill portal

Through the Online Portal

Best for: Business owners, accountants, transporters with computer access.

• Go to ewaybillgst.gov.in
• Log in using your Username and Password
• Click on “Generate New”
• Fill Part A and Part B (goods + vehicle details)
• Click Submit
• Download or print your E-Way Bill

Through SMS

Best for: Small shopkeepers, field workers, or people without internet.

How to Register for SMS Service:

1. Log in to the E-Way Bill portal.
2. Go to “Registration” > “For SMS”.
3. You’ll see your linked mobile number (partially hidden).
4. Select the correct User ID.
5. Click Submit.

Once done, you can start sending simple SMS commands to generate or cancel E-Way Bills directly from your mobile.

E-Way Bill for Multiple Consignments and Their Validity

If a truck is carrying many deliveries (to different buyers), don’t make separate bills. Instead, generate a Consolidated E-Way Bill. This makes life easier for:

• Transporters
• Warehouse handlers
• GST officers (who check documents)

Need for an E-way Bill

It helps the government track goods moving across India and makes sure everyone pays proper GST. It stops people from hiding goods or avoiding tax.

Why E-Way Bill Good?

• The same rule applies to transport all over India.
• Goods can be tracked easily from start to end.
• Faster movement, less checking.
• Tax officers can catch fraud quickly.
• Everything becomes smooth between sellers, transporters, and buyers.

What Happens if There’s No E-Way Bill?

• You can get a fine of ₹10,000 (or more).
• The goods can be stopped or seized.
• Your business can face unwanted delays and trouble.

Also, Check - GST Calculator

Conclusion

In Conclusion, don’t move goods without an E-Way Bill. It’s the law, and you’ll get into trouble if you skip it. Whether you’re sending onions, steel, T-shirts, or machines, if it's more than ₹50,000, make the E-Way Bill.