Two important enhancements are coming to the E-Way Bill (EWB) system from 1 August 2026. We've already covered the deadline; this post explains how each feature actually works, so you're ready before go-live.
1. "Ship-To GSTIN" becomes mandatory
In Bill-To / Ship-To transactions, the "Ship To GSTIN" field will now be compulsory while generating an E-Way Bill. The goal is better traceability and cleaner data.
- One key detail: if the consignee is unregistered, enter "URP" (Unregistered Person) in the Ship-To GSTIN field — don't leave it blank.
2. New Voluntary E-Way Bill Closure facility
A new facility lets you formally close an E-Way Bill once the goods are delivered — instead of waiting for it to lapse. It's voluntary for now.
Who can close an E-Way Bill?
- The Supplier
- The Recipient
- The Transporter in the transaction
- The driver or authorised person whose mobile number was provided for closure
How closure works
- Suppliers, recipients and transporters can close it after logging in to the EWB portal, under the e-Way Bill section.
- Closure can be done E-Way Bill–wise or date-wise.
- It can be closed on the day of delivery or the very next day.
- A mobile number can be added at generation specifically for closure — this allows a driver/authorised person to close it via the Search option (all active EWBs linked to that number show up). This number can also be updated during vehicle updation, consolidated EWB, or validity extension.
For ERP / API users
An API is available for system integrators. To close via API, you transmit the E-Way Bill number, closure date, and remarks. NIC has released the changes in the Sandbox environment for testing.
What you should do before 1 August
- Update your billing/ERP so Ship-To GSTIN (or "URP") is always captured in Bill-To/Ship-To entries.
- Decide your closure workflow — who closes EWBs in your business, and whether you'll add a closure mobile number at generation.
- ERP vendors / GSPs: pull the updated API specs, test in Sandbox, and configure before production rollout.
- Brief your team and update internal SOPs.
A little setup now means a smooth switch in August. If you're unsure how this fits your specific dispatch process, a quick review with your tax advisor helps.
Source: GSTN Advisory dated 20 May 2026 (implementation extended to 1 August 2026).