The GST Network (GSTN) has issued an advisory to taxpayers on business continuity measures for e-Invoice and e-Waybill systems. To prevent disruptions, GSTN emphasizes integrating alternate mechanisms into existing systems by coordinating with system integrators, Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs), ERPs, GSPs, or ASPs.
For e-Invoice services, six IRPs are operational, including NIC-IRP 1 & 2, Cygnet, Clear, EY, and IRIS. NIC-IRP 1 & 2 are interoperable, and all IRPs can be used in case of service downtime. Testing can be conducted using the NIC sandbox environment. For e-Waybill operations, two portals (eWaybill1 and eWaybill2) ensure redundancy. A unified authentication token generated on one NIC portal is valid across all NIC e-Invoice and e-Waybill portals.
API interoperability allows seamless operations, with cross-portal functionalities like retrieving IRN details, canceling IRNs, and updating Part B in e-Waybills. Taxpayers should verify API compatibility, engage service providers to enable alternate mechanisms, and explore additional IRPs for uninterrupted operations.
This advisory highlights the importance of maintaining redundancy and encourages taxpayers to connect with service providers or the GST helpdesk for further assistance.
Goods and Services Tax
Government of India, States and Union Territories
Advisory on Business Continuity for e-Invoice and e-Waybill Systems
Jan 24th, 2025
Dear Taxpayers,
This advisory is issued to highlight the alternate mechanisms and business continuity plans available for both the e-Invoice and e-Waybill systems.
If you have not integrated these alternate mechanisms into your existing systems or are not currently utilising them, GSTN suggest coordinating with your system integrators, IRPs, ERPs, GSPs, or ASPs to enable these redundancies. This would ensure that these mechanisms are fully operational and accessible when needed.
Multi IRPs for e-Invoice Reporting
To provide redundancy and ensure continuity, six Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs) are operational:
1. NIC-IRP 1: https://www.einvoice1.gst.gov.in
2. NIC-IRP 2: https://www.einvoice2.gst.gov.in
3. Cygnet IRP: https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in
4. Clear IRP: https://einvoice4.gst.gov.in
5. EY IRP: https://einvoice5.gst.gov.in
6. IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in
Both NIC-IRP 1 & 2 portals are interoperable, allowing seamless switch-over between them during service disruptions. These features may be tested in the NIC sandbox environment that can be accessed at https://einv-apisandbox.nic.in/. Additionally, if NIC-IRP is down any of the other e-Invoice IRPs listed above could also be used.
Dual Portals for e-Waybill Services
Similar redundancy is provided for e-Waybill operations with two portals:
1. eWaybill1 (https://ewaybillgst.gov.in)
2. eWaybill2(https://ewaybill2.gst.gov.in)
Unified Authentication Token at NIC-IRP & e-Waybill Portal
A single authentication token can be generated from any of the NIC-IRP e-Invoice1 & e-Invoice2 and NIC: e-Waybill1& e-Waybill2.
Once generated, this token is valid across all NIC portals, eliminating the need for separate tokens for each platform.
API Interoperability for Seamless Operations
Taxpayers using APIs can take advantage of cross-portal operations by configuring their systems or ensuring this with respective solution provider accordingly:
i. Accessing NIC1 e-Invoice Services via NIC2 APIs: By passing “NIC1” value in “irp” API header for APIs at https://api.einvoice2.gst.gov.in
ii. Accessing NIC2 e-Invoice Services via NIC1 APIs: By passing “NIC2” value in “irp” API header for APIs at https://api.einvoice1.gst.gov.in
iii. Supported e-Invoice APIs for cross operation-
a. Get IRN Details
b. Cancel IRN
c. Get IRN Details by Doc. Details
s. Generate e-Waybill by IRN
e. Get e-Waybill details by IRN
iv. For e-way bill cross operation, currently 1) Get e-way bill details & 2) Part B update APIs are available to be used interoperable via https://api.ewaybillgst.gov.in & https://api.ewaybill2.gst.gov.in/
Actions Recommended for Taxpayer
1. Direct API Access: Verify that your systems support cross-portal interoperability for seamless service access.
2. Coordination with Service Providers: Engage with your IRP, ERPs, GSPs, or ASPs to ensure alternate mechanisms are enabled and fully integrated into your systems.
3. Explore Additional IRPs: In addition to NIC-IRP 1 & 2, other IRPs are also available for use.
This advisory is issued to ensure that taxpayers are connected with the necessary backup to maintain seamless operations during any service disruptions. For further assistance, please contact your system integrators, service providers, or the GST helpdesk. More details available at respective IRPs and e-waybill portal.
Thanking You,
Team GSTN
