GSTN Issues Advisory on Business Continuity for e-Invoice and e-Waybill Systems
By: Admin
Date: January 24, 2025
Categories: GST Portal Updates | Important News
Reading Time: 4 Min
Introduction to the Advisory
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has released Advisory No. 575, dated January 24, 2025, stressing the importance of implementing alternate mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted e-Invoice and e-Waybill operations. Taxpayers are urged to work closely with their system integrators, IRPs (Invoice Registration Portals), ERPs, GSPs (GST Suvidha Providers), or ASPs (Application Service Providers) to establish redundancies and mitigate disruptions.
Multi-IRPs for e-Invoice Reporting
To enhance operational continuity, GSTN has made six IRPs available for e-Invoice reporting:
- NIC-IRP 1: https://www.einvoice1.gst.gov.in
- NIC-IRP 2: https://www.einvoice2.gst.gov.in
- Cygnet IRP: https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in
- Clear IRP: https://einvoice4.gst.gov.in
- EY IRP: https://einvoice5.gst.gov.in
- IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in
Both NIC-IRP 1 and NIC-IRP 2 are interoperable, ensuring seamless transitions between them during disruptions. Taxpayers are encouraged to test these redundancies in the NIC sandbox environment at https://einv-apisandbox.nic.in.
Dual Portals for e-Waybill Operations
To maintain redundancy for e-Waybill operations, GSTN has provided two portals:
- eWaybill1: https://ewaybillgst.gov.in
- eWaybill2: https://ewaybill2.gst.gov.in
Taxpayers can switch between these portals seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted operations even during technical issues.
Unified Authentication Token for Simplified Operations
A single authentication token, generated via either NIC-IRP or the e-Waybill portals, is valid across all NIC platforms. This unified token simplifies operations, minimizing the need for multiple authentications.
API Interoperability for Enhanced Flexibility
Taxpayers utilizing APIs can easily switch between portals by configuring their systems:
- Using NIC1 APIs via NIC2: Include “NIC1” in the “irp” API header when using APIs at https://api.einvoice2.gst.gov.in.
- Using NIC2 APIs via NIC1: Include “NIC2” in the “irp” API header when using APIs at https://api.einvoice1.gst.gov.in.
Supported API operations include:
- Retrieving IRN details.
- Cancelling IRN.
- Generating e-Waybill by IRN.
- Updating Part B of e-Waybill.
Recommended Actions for Taxpayers
To ensure seamless integration and operation, taxpayers are advised to:
- Verify Cross-Portal Compatibility: Confirm that their systems support interoperability between portals.
- Engage Service Providers: Collaborate with IRPs, ERPs, GSPs, or ASPs to establish alternate mechanisms.
- Explore Additional IRPs: Leverage multiple IRPs beyond NIC-IRP 1 and 2 to improve redundancy.
For further assistance, taxpayers can contact their service providers or the GST helpdesk. Additional details are available on the respective IRPs and e-Waybill portals.
Conclusion: Ensuring Business Continuity
This advisory underscores GSTN’s commitment to minimizing disruptions and enabling business continuity through strategic redundancies in e-Invoice and e-Waybill systems. By adopting the recommended actions, taxpayers can ensure seamless operations even during service outages.
