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TaxTMI 
E-Way Bill Expired Before or During Transit – GST-Compliant Solutions You Must Know
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....-Way Bill Expired Before or During Transit – GST-Compliant Solutions You Must Know<br>By: - RAHUL MODI<br>Goods and Services Tax - GST<br>Dated:- 13-8-2025<br>The e-way bill system under GST was designed to curb tax evasion and bring transparency in the movement of goods. However, in real-world business, operational delays, port schedules, weather disruptions, or vehicle breakdowns can result in....
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.... an e-way bill expiring before the goods reach their destination - or even before the goods start moving. An expired e-way bill is not just an administrative problem - moving goods without a valid e-way bill is a serious offence under Section 122(1)(xiv) of the CGST Act, 2017 and can lead to detention and penalty under Section 129. In this article, I will break down - in practical, GST-compliant....
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.... terms - what you should do if your e-way bill expires, in two common situations. Relevant GST Provisions * Section 68 of the CGST Act, 2017 - Empowers officers to inspect goods in transit. * Rule 138 of the CGST Rules, 2017 - Governs e-way bill generation, validity, and extension. * Rule 138(10) - Specifies validity based on distance: * Up to 200 km: 1 day * Every additional 200 km: +1....
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.... day * (Same for part thereof) * Proviso to Rule 138(10) - Allows the transporter to extend validity before or after expiry, but only if goods are in transit. * Section 122(1)(xiv) - Penalty for transporting goods without a valid e-way bill: Rs.10,000 or the tax amount, whichever is higher. * Section 129 - Provides for detention, seizure, and penalty if goods are moved without valid docume....
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....ntation. Situation 1: E-Way Bill Expired - Goods Have NOT Started Moving Yet Key Point: If the goods are still at the origin point and the e-way bill has expired, you cannot extend its validity. Extension is only for goods already in transit. Action Plan: * Do NOT start moving the goods with the expired e-way bill. * If within 24 hours of generation, Cancel the e-way bill on the portal and ....
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....generate a new one. * If more than 24 hours have passed and cancellation is not possible: * Option A - New Invoice: * Issue a fresh invoice with a new number and date. * Mention on it: "This invoice supersedes Invoice No. ___ dated ___ due to expiry of e-way bill prior to movement." * Generate a fresh e-way bill with this new invoice. * Option B - Delivery Challan: (If you don't want t....
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....o change the invoice number) * Prepare a delivery challan under Rule 55. * Generate an e-way bill using this challan. * Link it to the original invoice in your internal records. * Maintain documentary proof (CCTV records, gate register, stock reports) showing that goods did not move during the expired bill's validity. Situation 2: E-Way Bill Expired - Goods ARE ALREADY IN TRANSIT Key Poi....
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....nt: If goods are in transit and the e-way bill expires, you can extend validity - but only from the transporter's login. Action Plan if Extension IS Possible: * Park the vehicle at a safe location or transporter hub. * The transporter logs into the e-way bill portal and selects "Extend Validity". * Record the reason for delay (traffic jam, vehicle breakdown, weather, strike, etc.). * Carr....
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....y the updated e-way bill before resuming the journey. Action Plan if Extension is NOT Possible: (For example, transporter missed the window or system did not allow) * Stop the movement immediately. * Prepare a Delivery Challan from the current location to the destination. * Generate a new e-way bill using this challan. * Keep: * The expired e-way bill. * The delivery challan. * The ....
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....new e-way bill. * Proof that goods were in transit when the original e-way bill expired (GPS logs, toll receipts, weighbridge slips). * Resume the journey with the new e-way bill. Risks of Ignoring Compliance * Penalty: Rs.10,000 or tax amount (whichever is higher). * Detention of goods and vehicle. * Delay in exports and missed shipment deadlines. * Increased scrutiny in future....
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.... movements. Practical Tips to Avoid Expiry Problems * Generate e-way bill close to actual dispatch time - avoid creating it too early. * For long-distance routes, plan validity buffer days. * If there's any expected delay, extend validity before expiry. * Always keep transporter informed and ensure they have portal access for extension. * For export consignments, coordinate invoic....
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....e dates and e-way bill dates to avoid customs mismatch. Summary Table Situation Can Extend? Correct Action Goods NOT moved yet No Issue new invoice or delivery challan Generate new e-way bill. Goods in transit, extension possible Yes Stop Extend validity via transporter login Continue journey. Goods in transit, extension not possible No Stop Issue d....
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....elivery challan for remaining journey Generate new e-way bill. The e-way bill system leaves no room for "adjustments" once validity is over. The safest route is stop fix documentation then move.<br> Scholarly articles for knowledge sharing by authors, experts, professionals ....