57th GST Council Recommends Intelligence-Based Interception of Goods and Smoother Movement Across States

The 57th Meeting of the GST Council was held on October 08, 2026, in New Delhi, under the chairpersonship of the Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. At the meeting, the GST Council made recommendations relating to process reforms, primarily covering registration, returns, refunds and adjudication; clarifications regarding the applicability of GST on supplies of certain goods and services; and other measures for trade facilitation and streamlining GST compliances.

Rationalization of provisions relating to E-way Bill: The GST Council recommended amendments in section 68, section 129 and section 130 of the CGST Act, 2017 so as to inter-alia provide that, –

• a conveyance carrying goods can be intercepted only on specific intelligence and with the authorisation of an officer not below the rank of Joint Commissioner.
• Inspection and further action for detention or seizure can be taken when either the supplier, or the recipient, is located or registered in the State where interception is being made. No interception in the transit States.
• Where no e-way bill has been generated, or the conveyance is not carrying any document to show the origin or destination of the goods, as the case may be, the goods can be inspected, detained or seized, irrespective of the jurisdiction.
• Provision of confiscation of goods/conveyances under section 130 of CGST Act not applicable in respect of goods/conveyances in transit.

This will enable smooth movement of goods and conveyances and will improve businesses supplies and transportation efficiency.

The Press Release can be accessed at:  https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2320934&reg=48&lang=1