Important Update: E-Waybill Generation Requires E-Invoice Details From March 01, 2024

Exciting Update for Businesses: On January 5, 2024, the National Informatics Centre unveiled a significant development that's set to reshape the way businesses handle e-Waybills. Starting March 1, 2024, generating e-Waybills will now be seamlessly linked to e-Invoice details for B2B and B2E transactions. This update is exclusively designed for taxpayers leveraging e-invoicing, requiring the inclusion of e-invoice or Invoice Reference Number (IRN) details to effortlessly generate e-Waybills.

Let's delve into the details:

The journey began with the operationalization of e-invoice in October 2020 for taxpayers with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) above Rs. 500 Crores. Gradually, it became mandatory for those with AATO above Rs. 5 Crores. From the outset, e-Invoice seamlessly integrated with the e-Waybill system, allowing automatic e-Waybill generation when transportation details were included in e-Invoice generation.

However, a closer look revealed some eligible taxpayers generating e-Waybills without linking them to e-Invoices for B2B and B2E transactions. This led to discrepancies, where separately entered invoice details under e-Waybill and e-Invoice did not align on certain parameters.

To streamline the process and enhance accuracy, the update mandates that e-Waybill generation without e-invoice details will not be permitted from March 1, 2024. This applies to e-invoice-enabled taxpayers and transactions related to B2B and exports. Notably, for other transactions like B2C and non-supplies, the e-Waybill process remains unchanged.

Enhanced Checks for Seamless Operations: To refine and streamline the e-Waybill generation process, new checks are being introduced for taxpayers, specifically Suppliers, eligible for e-invoicing. Starting March 1, 2024, Suppliers eligible for e-invoicing engaging in B2B and B2E transactions (Exports) will find direct e-Waybill generation without e-invoice details restricted. This pertains to e-Waybill categories such as Supply, Exports, SKD, CKD, and Lots.

Worry not! The usual e-Waybill generation for transactions involving B2C and other non-supplies will continue unaffected. Likewise, checks will be applied to the Supplier GSTIN for e-Way Bills generated by transporters. 

Rest assured, other operations like Part-B updating, transporter ID updating, and more will proceed without any alteration. If you are a taxpayer and transporter then ensure to gear up for a smoother operation by making the necessary system adjustments to seamlessly adapt to these changes by March 1, 2024.

Also Read: Late for the December 31 ITR Deadline? Explore Options for Filing Your IT Returns

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