The GSTN vide Advisory No. 661 dated May 21, 2026 has announced significant enhancements to the e-Way Bill (EWB) system to improve data accuracy, shipment traceability, and operational efficiency. Under the new changes, capturing the “Ship-To GSTIN” in Bill-To/Ship-To transactions will become mandatory, while “URP” must be entered for unregistered consignees. GSTN has also introduced a voluntary e-Way Bill Closure facility, enabling suppliers, recipients, transporters, and authorized drivers to close EWBs after successful delivery of goods. The system will support portal-based, mobile-based, and API-enabled closure options. NIC has already released the API updates in the Sandbox environment, with production deployment scheduled for 15 June 2026. Businesses and ERP/API integrators are advised to update systems and complete testing before implementation.
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.
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.
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
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:
- Access the updated API specifications.
- Undertake testing in the Sandbox environment.
- Carry out suitable configuration changes at their end.
- Ensure seamless transition prior to production rollout.
Action Required by Stakeholders
All concerned stakeholders are advised to:
- Familiarize themselves with the revised data entry requirements and closure workflow.
- Update internal processes, ERP configurations, and user manuals accordingly.
- Conduct internal testing and user awareness sessions.
- Ensure compliance from the notified date of implementation.
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.
The Advisory can be accessed at: https://www.gst.gov.in/newsandupdates/read/661
