Carrying an e-way bill is mandatory for transporters when the goods being moved are worth more than ₹50,000. This rule applies regardless of the chosen mode of transport, whether by road, rail, air or ship. However, each mode of transportation requires specific details to be entered while generating the e-way bill.

In this article, we will go over the important e-way bill rules that apply when transportation is done through waterways.

E-Way Bill Rules for Transport by Waterways

Some critical aspects of transportation through waterways are highlighted below:

• A ‘bill of lading’ is a document that must be issued to the consignor by the person in charge of the transporting vessel. It is a legally binding contract for carriage between the carrier and the shipper, and also a formal acknowledgement that the goods have been loaded onto the vessel for transportation.
• Either the supplier or the recipient must generate the e-way bill when the transport mode is by waterways. The date and serial number of the bill of lading need to be mentioned in Part B of the e-way bill.
• The e-way bill can be generated before or after the commencement of journey by the transporter. However, it must have been generated before the end of the journey.
• An e-way bill is not required when goods are being transported for the purpose of customs clearance to an inland container depot or container freight terminal.
• Once the transport document number is updated for the first time, the validity period of the e-way bill starts. In this case, the transport document number is the serial number of the bill of lading. The validity period will not be revised in case any updates are made to Part B.
• If there is a change of vessel or vehicle, the e-way bill also needs to be updated, and should mention the new or next vehicle number.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the e-way bill is a critical document for transporting goods valued at more than INR 50,000 in India under the GST regime. It must be generated electronically through the e-way bill portal or GST accounting software and carried with the goods during transportation. Creating an e-way bill helps ensure that the goods are accounted for, and the appropriate tax is being paid while also reducing tax evasion and providing transparency in the transportation of goods.

 When shipping goods through waterways, the bill of lading is a legal document that must be used. The shipper or the receiver must create an e-way bill and update the information in part B to include the bill of lading’s serial number and the date of shipment. Understanding the critical aspects of e-way bills and bills of lading is crucial for the efficient and compliant transportation of goods.