E-Way Bill Distance: Importance, Minimum Limit & Exemptions
Has it ever happened to you that you miscalculated the distance in the e-way bill by a few kilometres? And the authority stopped your truck from moving ahead? Sounds familiar? We all have been there! Don’t worry. Making a mistake in calculating the e-way bill distance is okay, but it should not be repeated. Otherwise, your business may lose credibility. To solve this problem, we have come up with a blog to answer all your queries regarding the e-way bill distance limit and how to calculate it accurately.
Why Distance Matters for Your E-Way Bill
You might be wondering, “Why does the government care how far my goods are travelling?” Hands down, it is the distance that determines the validity period of your e-way bill. In other words, it decides how long your consignment is allowed to be on the road. If in any case, you misjudge this, you are inviting unnecessary delays, penalties and long halts at state checkpoints.
Breaking Down: E-Way Bill Distance Limit
Let us delve deeper into how distance affects the e-way bill. When you generate an e-way bill on the GST portal, you are asked to enter the approximate distance your goods are about to travel. Mark here, you cannot feed distance by just guessing; this number determines the validity of your e-way bill.
Here are the various e-way bill distances and validity therewith:
| Type of vehicle | Distance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Regular cargo | Less than 200 Kms | 1 Day |
| More than 200 Kms | Additional 1 day | |
| Overdimensional cargo | Less than 20 Kms | 1 Day |
| More than 20 Kms | Additional 1 day |
One thing you must keep in mind is that the day starts from the moment you generate the bill, not when you commence the trip.
One more thing you must check with your logistics partner that if they take any detour due to any reason, you should incorporate it in your e-way bill validity period.
If you are in the export business, and your consignment is being delivered from multiple modes of transportation (say roadways + air), then you need separate e-way bills for each mode of transportation.
How E-Way Bill Distance Calculator Can Save from Fuss
E-Way bill distance calculator is an online tool that helps you to calculate the distance accurately between the origin and destination. Instead of guessing or relying on others opinion, it is better to punch in your pickup and locations and let the tool calculate the exact distance based on real routes and latest road data.
Tips to Avoid Penalties Due to E-Way Bill Distance Limit
The following are the tips you employ to prevent e-way bill penalties:
Double-check with your logistics partner: Before generating an e-way bill, check with your logistics partner for any potential delay in commencing the journey or a detour.
Utilize technology: Prefer to generate e-way bills with the latest SaaS accounting software like Munim Accounting and Billing software.
Use Reliable tools: Always use GPS such as Google Maps or MapmyIndia to double check the route and the distance to be covered. Cross check the same distance with the GST portal for surety.
Train your team: If you have an in-house logistics team, make sure they understand the importance of sticking to the logged route. A brief training session can save you thousands in penalties.
Stay updated: The GST rules are evolving faster. Stay updated with all the updates on the GST portal or keep checking the official GST X (Twitter) handle to stay ahead and prevent yourself from getting carried away with fake news.
Exemption in E-Way Bill Distance Limit
In the cases listed below, the e-way bill is exempted:
- In the transportation of perishable goods like fruits, vegetables and milk
- Short distance transportation (like 20 km or less)
- Goods are being returned to the source.
Wrapping It Up
Let’s be honest, no one likes to fill out the E-way bill form. Calculating the distance limit has become a headache for businesses, which is why you should make the best use of available technology — Munim Accounting and Billing software. It helps you generate e-way bills seamlessly, and the software will handle calculation headaches for you. All you need to do is sign up and update your company GST details; that’s it. If you have any questions, give us a call or reach out via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much distance is required for an e-way bill?
An e-way bill is required, if you are transporting goods over 20 KMs within or outside of your home state.
2. How to calculate distance in e-way bill?
The following are the steps for calculating the e-way bill distance:
Step 1: Go to the e-way bill distance calculator
Step 2: Enter the PIN code for the goods being dispatched and the goods to be delivered.
Step 3: Verify the auto-generated distance and proceed with e-way bill generation.
3. What is the distance limit for an e-way bill?
Currently, the distance limit for an e-way bill is up to 3000 km.
4. What is the minimum distance for an e-way bill?
The minimum distance for an e-way bill is over 20 km.
5. Can I extend the validity period of my e-way bill?
Yes, you have options if your e-way bill expires during transit. An extension is possible online either before or after the 8-hour validity period ends.
6. Can I cancel an e-way bill after 7 days?
The portal allots a window 24 hours after generation to cancel e-way bills.
Check out more E-way bill FAQs
