GSTN issues Advisory on Alternate Mechanism and Business Continuity for e-Invoice & e-Waybill Systems

The Goods and Services Tax Network ( GSTN ) has recently released an Advisory dated 24 January, 2025 sharing important updates regarding alternate mechanisms and business continuity plans for business owners utilizing both the e-Invoice and e-Waybill systems.

The advisory proposes added reliance on the e-portals maintained by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department to ensure smooth functioning of the compliance measures, even, during potential outages. Businesses are encouraged to implement the following measures to maintain seamless operations.

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Multiple Portals for e-Invoice Systems

To enhance reliability, GSTN now offers six Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs) that taxpayers can use to report e-Invoices. These portals provide options to switch in case of downtime, ensuring uninterrupted service. Here’s the list of available IRPs:

1. NIC-IRP 1: einvoice1.gst.gov.in
2. NIC-IRP 2: einvoice2.gst.gov.in
3. Cygnet IRP: einvoice3.gst.gov.in
4. Clear IRP: einvoice4.gst.gov.in
5. EY IRP: einvoice5.gst.gov.in
6. IRIS IRP: einvoice6.gst.gov.in

NIC-IRP 1 and NIC-IRP 2 are fully interoperable, meaning businesses can switch between them without hassle. In the event that NIC-IRP portals are facing downtime, any of the other listed alternative Portals may be used. The backup portals may be tested using the NIC sandbox environment at einv-apisandbox.nic.in.

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Backup Portals for e-Waybill Services

To ensure uninterrupted generation and updating of e-Waybills, GSTN has set up two dedicated portals that act as backups for each other:

1. eWaybill1: ewaybillgst.gov.in
2. eWaybill2: ewaybill2.gst.gov.in

Unified Token for Easy Authentication

GSTN has simplified the authentication process with a single token system generated for the purpose of accessing all of the NIC portals. A token generated on any NIC-IRP or e-Waybill portal can now be used across all platforms, reducing complications and improving efficiency.

Cross-Portal API Flexibility

Businesses that employ the use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can now configure their systems for cross-portal functionality. This ensures continuity even if one platform is inoperable. For example:

1. Access NIC1 services through NIC2 APIs by passing “NIC1” in the API header at api.einvoice2.gst.gov.in.
2. Access NIC2 services through NIC1 APIs by passing “NIC2” in the API header at api.einvoice1.gst.gov.in.
3. The Following APIs are supported for cross-operational functions:

a. Get IRN Details

            b. Cancel IRN

c. Get IRN Details by Doc. Details

d. Generate e-Waybill by IRN

e. Get e-Waybill details by IRN

4. For e-way bill cross operation, currently 1) Get e-way bill details & 2) Part B update APIs are available to be used interoperable via https://api.ewaybillgst.gov.in and https://api.ewaybill2.gst.gov.in/

What Should Taxpayers Do?

The GSTN recommends businesses ensure their systems are compatible with cross-portal operations, collaborate with service providers to activate and integrate backup mechanisms, and explore additional IRPs to enhance system reliability.

Additionally, GSTN has advised taxpayers to make use of the newly introduced functions while also directing them to contact their own system integrators, service providers, or the GST helpdesk in the event of any technical hitches.

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