GSTN Advisory on e-Invoice API, e-Way Bill by IRN API and Voluntary e-Way Bill Closure Enhancements

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has issued an advisory regarding upcoming changes to the e-Invoice API, e-Way Bill generated through IRN API, and the e-Way Bill (EWB) Closure API. The advisory follows GSTN's earlier communication dated 20 May 2026 concerning enhancements to the e-Way Bill system.

As part of the revised framework, the “Ship-to GSTIN” field will become mandatory in Bill-to/Ship-to transactions. GSTN has clarified that where goods are supplied to an unregistered recipient, the value “URP” (Unregistered Person) must be entered in the Ship-to GSTIN field.

The latest advisory has been issued after receiving queries and representations from businesses, ERP solution providers, GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs), Application Service Providers (ASPs), private Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs), and other stakeholders. Clarifications were sought regarding the applicability of the mandatory Ship-to GSTIN requirement in situations where e-Way Bills are generated simultaneously with e-Invoices or through the IRN-based process.

Stakeholders also sought guidance on the operational impact of the Voluntary Closure of e-Way Bill facility, particularly in relation to both portal-based and API-based workflows.

To address these concerns, GSTN has introduced corresponding modifications in:

• e-Invoice API
• e-Way Bill by IRN API
• e-Way Bill Closure API

These updates have already been deployed in the Sandbox environment to facilitate testing and system validation by taxpayers and technology providers. GSTN has advised all stakeholders to undertake necessary application updates, integration testing, and operational readiness measures before the implementation date.

The revised API specifications and related changes are scheduled to be rolled out in the Production environment from 1 August 2026.

Businesses, ERP vendors, GSPs, ASPs, IRPs, and other users of GST APIs are advised to review the detailed advisory and complete system preparedness activities within the prescribed timeline to ensure uninterrupted compliance.

Official Reference: GSTN Advisory dated 17 June 2026 regarding e-Invoice API, e-Way Bill by IRN API, mandatory Ship-to GSTIN capture, and Voluntary e-Way Bill Closure enhancements.

LINK https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/downloads/news/advisory_einvoice_api_ewb_by_irn_approved.pdf

Thanks,
Team GSTN