E-way Bills for Imports and Exports

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    E-way Bill

    What Import and Export Transactions are E-way Bills Applicable to?

    As import is classified as an interstate transaction, it is important to consider the relevance of e-way bills to such transactions. Therefore, let us explore the circumstances in which these bills are applicable and must be generated.

    The stages of an Import process are as follows:

    1. Goods are only said to be imported when they reach an Indian port or airport.
    2. The customs department receives the products at the port or airport and transports them to an Inland Container Depot (ICD) or a Container Freight Station (CFS) for clearance. Rule 138 does not apply to this conveyance, i.e., the transit described above.
    3. From the ICD or CFS, the bill of entry is submitted, the importer pays the customs duty, and the items are cleared for domestic use (e.g. place of business like the factory or warehouse of the importer). For this transportation, an e-way bill is necessary.
    4. The products may also be held in a bonded warehouse until they are approved for domestic use. The necessity of carrying an e-way bill is waived for the transit of goods in accordance with or from the ICD to the bonded warehouse. However, an e-way bill must be created when the products are cleared from the bonded warehouse and delivered later to the importer’s location.

    The process of Exporting includes:

    Generating an e-way bill for export is necessary for transporting goods from a business location to an exporter’s warehouse. However, when these goods are subsequently moved to an ICD or a CFS, no export e-way bill is required. It should be noted that certain items such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene are exempt from e-way bill generation.

    Additionally, GST e-way bills are not required in the following situations:

    1. When goods are transported to or from Nepal/Bhutan
    2. When goods are moved between custom ports/ICDs or CFS.

    The following table shows depicts when generating an e-way bill is required and not in the case of import and export:

    E-Way Bill Required E-Way Bill Not Required
    Import Movement of goods from ICD or CFS or warehouse to factory or importer’s business location 1. Inward entry at Customs port
    2. Movement of goods from port to ICD/CFS
    3. Movement of goods from ICD/CFS to warehouse
    Export Movement of goods from exporter’s business place to ICD/CFS/Warehouse 1. Movement of goods from ICD/CFS to port /warehouse.
    2. Movement of goods from one port/station to another port/station

    How Can an E-way Bill for Imports and Exports be Generated?

    Whether it is an import or an export transaction, the process and methods for generating the e-way bill remain the same. However, the user needs to be mindful of the following important information while creating an e-way bill in such cases:

    Particulars In E-Way Bill Import Export
    Transaction sub-type to select Import Export
    Document Type and Number Bill Of Entry Tax invoice meant for export of goods.
    Bill From Unregistered Person (URP) Exporter’s Detail (Name, GSTIN, etc.)
    Bill From Unregistered Person (URP) Exporter’s Detail (Name, GSTIN, etc.)
    Dispatch From Pin Code 999999 must be input, and ‘Other Country’ must be selected in the state field. Address Of Expoter’s Place of Business/Warehouse
    Bill To Importer’s Details (name, GSTIN, etc.) A person outside India who may be unregistered (Mention URP).
    Ship To Address of the warehouse or business of the importer Pin Code 999999 has to be entered and selected in the state column ‘Other Countries.
    Transportation Details Transporter Specifications (Vehicle Details, Transporter ID, etc.) Transporter Specifications (vehicle details, transporter ID etc.).

    A key element in determining the validity of an e-way bill is calculating the distance to be travelled. Knowing the starting point for distance calculation is essential to determine its legality in import and export scenarios accurately.

    1. When importing, the e-way bill must be generated when the goods are approved for domestic use. The distance between the ICD and the importer’s place of business must be assessed, and the validity of the e-way bill must be determined accordingly.
    2. If the items are being exported, the e-way bill must be generated when transported to the port. The distance shall be determined from the warehouse/place of business to the port for the purpose of e-way bill validity.

    Do High Seas Sales Require an E-way Bill?

    As the high sea sale occurs outside the Indian territory and does not fall under any of the above cases, generating an e-way bill is not required. The government aims to reduce the compliance burden on businesses engaged in international trade. Importers and exports and streamline the process by ensuring that all other relevant documents, such as shipping documents and bills of entry, are in order and valid e-way bills are available when necessary.

    Conclusion

    E-way bills are essential to the import and export process, providing a reliable way to track goods as they move across different locations. By generating e-way bills accurately and in a timely manner, businesses can ensure compliance with legal regulations, streamline their operations, and enhance overall efficiency. As e-way bills are progressively improving, it is important for businesses engaged in international trade to stay informed and updated on any changes or new requirements to maximise their benefits and avoid potential pitfalls.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is an e-Way Bill, and why is it required for imports and exports?
      An e-Way Bill is an electronic document required to transport goods in India. It tracks the movement of goods and prevents tax evasion. For imports and exports, it ensures compliance with local laws and verifies that all goods entering or leaving the country have the necessary documentation.
    • Who is responsible for generating an e-Way Bill for imported goods?
      For imported goods, generating an e-Way Bill typically involves the importer or the transporter moving the goods from the port to the destination. They must create it before transporting goods worth over the specified threshold within India.
    • Is an e-Way Bill required for exports to foreign countries?
      No, an e-Way Bill is not required for direct exports to foreign countries. However, as per local transport regulations, an e-Way Bill may be needed to move export goods within India to the port or airport where the export will take place.
    • What details are required to generate an e-Way Bill for imports?
      To generate an e-Way Bill for imports the importer’s GSTIN, invoice or bill of entry, item description, quantity, value, transporter details, and the vehicle number are needed. These details ensure compliance and accurate tracking during internal transport.
    • How is an e-Way Bill generated for imports?
      An e-Way Bill is generated on the government’s e-Way Bill portal by entering the required details such as the invoice, transporter information, and vehicle number. After submission, the portal provides an e-Way Bill number, which accompanies the goods during transport.
    • What is the validity period of an e-Way Bill for imported goods?
      The e-Way Bill’s validity depends on the distance to be covered within India: typically, one day for every 100 kilometers. This validity period begins once the goods are moved, and timely delivery and compliance with movement regulations are ensured.
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