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E-way bill rules for shop owners: when you need one (2026)

When do you need an e-way bill? The ₹50,000 rule, inter-state vs within-state movement, validity and how to create one — explained with rupee examples.

BBillman team · 23 Oct 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer: You need an e-way bill when you move goods worth more than ₹50,000 in one consignment — always between states, and within your state too in most states. Some states use a higher limit for movement inside the state.

What is an e-way bill?

An e-way bill is an electronic permit for moving goods, generated on the GST e-way bill portal. It carries the invoice details, the goods and the vehicle, and the transporter must carry its number while the goods are on the road.

The ₹50,000 rule

Consignment valueWithin your stateTo another state
Up to ₹50,000Not needed*Not needed
Above ₹50,000Needed*Needed

*Some states set a higher limit for movement within the state. Check your state’s rule.

The value is the invoice value including GST, for the goods in that one vehicle. Two bills of ₹30,000 to the same buyer in one truck count as ₹60,000.

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Examples

  • A hardware shop in Madurai sends ₹72,000 of cement to a site in Bengaluru → inter-state, above ₹50,000 → e-way bill needed.
  • A kirana delivers ₹18,000 of groceries to a hotel in the same town → below ₹50,000 → not needed.
  • A distributor moves ₹1,20,000 of stock within Tamil Nadu → above ₹50,000 → needed (check your state’s limit).

How long is it valid?

One day for every 200 km for normal cargo. A 450 km trip gets three days.

How to create one in Billman

Open the sale invoice, enter the vehicle number and distance, and click Generate e-way bill. Billman sends the bill to the GST portal and prints the e-way bill number on the invoice.

Watch: E-way bill setup in Billman (தமிழ்)Set up and generate an e-way bill — 2:52

FAQ

Do I need an e-way bill for a B2C sale?

Yes, if the consignment value is above the limit. The rule depends on the value and the movement, not on whether the buyer has a GSTIN.

How long is an e-way bill valid?

One day for every 200 km for normal cargo.

Who generates the e-way bill?

Usually the seller who sends the goods. The buyer or transporter can generate it if the seller has not.

Generate e-way bills from the invoice

Billman does GST, e-way bills and GSTR-1 for you — even offline.