Moving goods worth more than ₹50,000? You almost certainly need an e-way bill before the vehicle starts. Getting caught without one can cost you the tax amount as penalty — or even detention of goods and vehicle.
When is an e-way bill required?
For any movement of goods with consignment value above ₹50,000 — whether by supply, return, job work, or transfer between your own branches. Some states have different intra-state limits (for example, higher thresholds for movement within the state), but ₹50,000 is the safe national baseline for inter-state movement.
Who generates it?
The supplier, the recipient, or the transporter — whoever causes the movement — on ewaybillgst.gov.in. You need the invoice details, transporter ID or vehicle number, and the goods' HSN codes. Part A holds invoice details; Part B holds the vehicle details and can be updated by the transporter.
Validity
- Up to 200 km — 1 day
- Every additional 200 km — 1 extra day
- Over-dimensional cargo — 1 day per 20 km
- Validity can be extended before expiry if the goods are delayed in transit.
Common exemptions
- Goods valued under ₹50,000
- Exempted goods (most fresh produce, unprocessed food items)
- Transport by non-motorised conveyance
- Movement within notified short distances for weighment (with conditions)
Keep invoice data ready
E-way bill generation is fastest when your invoice already has correct HSN codes, values and GSTINs. BizGST Pro invoices carry all of these fields, so raising the e-way bill takes a minute, not a phone call to your accountant.