GSTN has issued an advisory dated 20 May 2026 announcing functional enhancements in the e-Way Bill (EWB) portal to improve data integrity, traceability of goods movement, and operational efficiency. One major change is the mandatory capture of “Ship-To GSTIN” in Bill-To/Ship-To transactions during EWB generation. In cases where the consignee is unregistered, “URP” must be entered in the relevant field. Another significant enhancement is the introduction of a voluntary e-Way Bill Closure facility enabling suppliers, recipients, transporters, drivers, or authorized persons to close e-Way Bills after delivery of goods. Closure can be done EWB-wise or date-wise, including through mobile-number-based functionality and APIs. GSTN has also released updated API specifications in the Sandbox environment, with production rollout scheduled by 15 June 2026. Stakeholders, ERP vendors, GSPs, ASPs, and taxpayers are advised to update systems, conduct testing, revise workflows, and ensure readiness before implementation.
Advisory to Taxpayers and Stakeholders – Enhancements in the e-Way Bill (EWB) Portal
May 21st, 2026
As part of the ongoing efforts towards strengthening data quality, traceability, and operational efficiency in the E-Way Bill (EWB) system, certain functional enhancements are proposed to be introduced in the EWB portal.
The advisory covers the following proposed changes:
a)Mandatory capture of “Ship-To GSTIN” in Bill-To Ship-To transactions for improved traceability and data accuracy; and
b)Introduction of EWB Closure functionality to enable taxpayers to voluntarily close E-Way Bills in specified scenarios.
The advisory also includes the proposed implementation timelines and necessary action points for stakeholders to undertake requisite system changes and preparedness activities.
The link to the advisory is provided below:
https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/downloads/news/gstn_advisory_ewb_approved.pdf
Thanks,
Team GSTN
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX NETWORK
(A Government Enterprise)
GSTN Advisory
Date: 20.05.2026
Subject: Advisory to Taxpayers and Stakeholders – Enhancements in the e-Way Bill (EWB) Portal
1. Background
It is hereby informed that certain functional enhancements are being implemented in the e-Way Bill (EWB) system with a view to strengthening data integrity, improving traceability of goods movement, and enabling system-driven closure of transactions. All taxpayers, transporters, ERP/API integrators, and other stakeholders are requested to take note of the following changes and initiate necessary system readiness measures.
2. Mandatory Capture of “Ship To GSTIN” in Bill-To/Ship-To Transactions
a) In cases involving Bill-To/Ship-To scenarios, the field relating to the “Ship To GSTIN” shall now be captured as a mandatory data element during e-Way Bill generation.
b) Where the consignee is an unregistered person, the value “URP” shall be entered in the “Ship To GSTIN” field.
2. Introduction of Voluntary e-Way Bill Closure Facility
(i) A new e-Way Bill Closure facility has been introduced in the e-Way Bill system on voluntary basis to enable closure of the e-Way Bill once delivery of goods is completed.
(ii) The e-Way Bill may be closed by:
a) Supplier
b) Recipient
c) Transporter involved in the transaction
D) Driver or authorized person whose mobile number has been provided for closure
(iii) For suppliers, recipients, and transporters, the e-Way Bill Closure option is available after login under the e-Way Bill section of the portal.
(iv) Closure can be performed:
- e-Way Bill-wise, or
- Date-wise
(v) A mobile number may be entered at the time of e-Way Bill generation specifically for closure purposes. Currently, this option is voluntary in nature.
(vi) If required, the mobile number can also be updated during:
- Vehicle updation
- Consolidated e-Way Bill operations
- Extension of validity
(vii) The mobile number–based closure facility has been provided under the Search option on the e-Way Bill Common Portal. All active e-Way Bills linked to the concerned mobile number are displayed, enabling closure by the authorized person.
(viii) e-Way Bills can be closed on:
- The same day of delivery, or
- The immediately succeeding day
(ix) An API has also been provided for system integrators and API users. For closure through API, the following details are required to be transmitted:
- e-Way Bill number
- Closure date
- Remarks
(x) Illustrative screenshots of the EWB closure functionality are appended below e-Way Bill Close option provided for logged-in users.
A) E-WayBill Closure by logged in user: i) by E-WayBill Number ii) by E-WayBill Generated Date
i) Screenshots of Closure by E-waybill Number …
ii) Screenshot of closure by Generated Date …
B) e-Way Bill Closure by Driver or authorized person
4. API and System Integration Readiness
a) Necessary API changes have been released by NIC in the Sandbox environment.
The proposed changes will be deployed in production by 15th June,2026. All
stakeholders are requested to make necessary changes at their end accordingly.
b) All ERP vendors, GSPs, ASPs, and system integrators are advised to:
i. Access the updated API specifications.
ii. Undertake testing in the Sandbox environment.
iii. Carry out suitable configuration changes at their end.
iv. Ensure seamless transition prior to production rollout.
5. Action Required by Stakeholders
All concerned stakeholders are advised to:
i. Familiarize themselves with the revised data entry requirements and closure workflow.
ii. Update internal processes, ERP configurations, and user manuals accordingly.
iii. Conduct internal testing and user awareness sessions.
iv. Ensure compliance from the notified date of implementation.
6. Further Guidance
For detailed operational steps and feature descriptions, reference may be made to the accompanying technical documentation on the e-Way Bill Closure functionality. Any implementation-related queries may be routed through the designated helpdesk channels.
Thank you,
Team GSTN
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