A step-by-step guide to create an e-Way bill via the GST portal

Every business operation requires compliance with certain legal requirements. One such requirement is generating e-Way bills for the movement of goods. An e-Way bill, short for Electronic Way Bill, is a digital document required for the movement of goods worth more than Rs. 50,000 across India. It serves as proof of the consignment's legitimacy and provides essential details of goods, their consignors, recipients, and transporters. This document is essential to prevent tax evasion and monitor the movement of goods under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. 

Prerequisites to generate the e-Way bill – Documents and details
 

Before generating an e-Way bill online through the GST portal, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:

• Registration on the EWB (e-Way bill) portal if you are a new user. Existing users can access the e-Way bill GST portal using their credentials. 
• Possession of relevant invoice, bill, or challan associated with the goods consignment.
• If transporting by road, have the Transporter ID or vehicle number available.

For transportation via rail, air, or ship, ensure you have the Transporter ID, transport document number, and date ready.

Steps to generate the e-Way bill on the GST portal
 

Here is how to prepare e-Way bills using the online GST portal.

1. Open the GST portal. Provide your username, password, and the Captcha code to log in

2. Click on 'e-Way bill’

3. Choose 'generate new’

4. Filling in transaction details:

• Transaction Type: Mark 'outward' if you are a supplier. If you are a consignment recipient, select 'inward’.
• Sub-type section: Pick the sub-type that best describes your transaction.
• Document type: Choose from bill/ invoice/challan/credit note/ bill of entry. If your document doesn't match any listed type, select 'others’.
• Document number: Input the document/invoice number.
• Document Date: Choose the date for the invoice, challan, or document. Dates set in the future will not be accepted.

5. Fill in the To/From section details, depending on whether you are the supplier or the recipient. For transactions with unregistered individuals or entities, mention 'URP' in the GSTIN field.

6. Add the details of the consignment:

• Product's name
• Offer a brief description
• Include the HSN code
• State the quantity
• Indicate the unit
• Note down the taxable value
• Record CGST, SGST, IGST rates in %
• If applicable, provide cess or other tax rates in %

7. Enter the mode of transport and the approximate distance covered (in kilometres). Then, provide either:

• Transporter's name, ID, document number, and date
• Vehicle's registration number

8. Finally, press 'submit’. The system will assess the provided data. If all information is accurate and complete, the system will issue an e-Way bill in the format EWB-01 with a unique 12-digit number. Double-check all the provided details to ensure accuracy. Any errors could lead to problems during transportation.

Now that you know how to create an e-Way bill through the GST portal instantly, you can easily manage your transport documentation and ensure compliance with regulations. You can either print the e-Way bill or save it as a PDF for future reference. It's a good practice to have both a physical and digital copy.

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