GST Advisory on RR No.Parcel Way Bill (PWB) Numbers in EWB system!

On October 4th, 2024, GSTN announced the integration of the Indian Railways Parcel Management System (PMS) with the E-Way Bill (EWB) system via APIs, marking a key step toward enhanced traceability and compliance in goods transportation. This integration facilitates the seamless transfer of Railway Receipt (RR) numbers and Parcel Way Bill (PWB) data into the EWB system, reducing errors and ensuring better monitoring.

Let’s understand the advisory!

Advisory dated 04^th October 2024

Advisory on Proper Entry of RR No./Parcel Way Bill (PWB) Numbers in EWB system Post EWB-PMS Integration

Oct 4th, 2024

Subject: Guidance for Accurate Entry of RR No./Parcel Way Bill (PWB) Numbers following the Integration of E-Way Bill (EWB) with Parcel Management System (PMS)

Dear Taxpayers,

This is to inform you that the Parcel Management System (PMS) of Indian Railways has now been integrated with the E-Way Bill (EWB) system via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This integration facilitates the seamless transfer of RR No./Parcel Way Bill (PWB) data from Railways to the e-way bill portal, ensuring better traceability and compliance.

In light of this, taxpayers must follow the correct process for entering Parcel Way Bill numbers into the EWB system. Adherence to the guidelines below will help avoid any potential discrepancies or mismatches.

1. Applicability of RR No./PWB Entry in the EWB System

Taxpayers transporting goods via the Indian Railways Parcel Management System (PMS) must ensure the correct Parcel Way Bill (PWB) number or RR No. is furnished in the e-way bill Part-B on the EWB Portal. The format for entering RR No./PWB numbers has been standardized to ensure consistency and accuracy.

2. Updating Part-B of EWB for Rail Transportation

a) Suppliers with a pre-existing E-Way Bill (EWB) for goods transported from the factory to the railway station, and who are subsequently transporting goods by rail under the Parcel Management System (PMS), must follow these steps:

• Update Part B of the E-Way Bill using the "Multi-Transport Mode" option on the EWB portal.
• In the updated section, select Rail as the mode of transport.

After selecting this option, the system will prompt you to enter the corresponding RR No./Parcel Way Bill (PWB) number.

3. Format for Entering the RR No./PWB Number

The Parcel Way Bill number must be entered in the following format:

a) PXXXRRNo, where:

• P stands for the Parcel Management System (PMS).
• XXX refers to the From Station Code of the originating railway station.
• RRNo is the actual Railway Receipt number issued for the goods.

Example:

If the Railway Receipt number in the PMS system is 2020-307306, it should be entered as PNZM2020-307306 where P stands for PMS, NZM stands for the originating station code and then the RR No. in the EWB system to avoid any validation errors.

4. RR Number for FOIS or Leased Wagons

For goods transported via the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) or Leased Wagons, the process for entering the RR number remains the same as in previous advisories. The Railway Receipt number must be entered in the EWB system exactly as shown in the RR receipt, without any changes or formatting alterations.

5. EWB and RR No./PWB Number Validation

After entering the RR No./PWB number into the EWB system:

a) The EWB system will validate the RR No./PWB number against the data received from the Parcel Management System (PMS) of Railways.

b) If a mismatch is detected or the RR No./PWB number is not found in the database, an alert will be generated. Therefore, it is advised that taxpayers ensure the correct entry of RR No./PWB numbers to avoid future discrepancies.

6. Importance of Accurate Entry

Taxpayers must ensure that the Parcel Way Bill number is entered correctly in the EWB system to allow smooth tracking and verification of goods being transported via Indian Railways. Accurate entry will also facilitate the validation process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

7. Assistance and Clarifications

For further assistance or if there are any discrepancies in entering RR No./PWB numbers, taxpayers are encouraged to raise a ticket with the support team, clearly mentioning the RR No./PWB number.

Note: Click here to view a sample image illustrating the correct format for RR No./PWB entry is available within the system for your reference.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring compliance with these guidelines.

Thanking You,
Team GSTN

Key Highlights of the Advisory

• EWB-PMS Integration: Indian Railways’ Parcel Management System (PMS) is now integrated with the E-Way Bill (EWB) system via APIs, enabling seamless data transfer for better traceability and compliance.

• Applicability: Taxpayers using Indian Railways to transport goods must enter the correct Parcel Way Bill (PWB) or Railway Receipt (RR) number in the EWB system, particularly in Part B of the EWB portal.

• Format for RR No./PWB Entry: The standardized format for entering the RR number is "PXXXRRNo", where:
  • "XXX" represents the originating station code.
  • "RRNo" is the Railway Receipt number (e.g., PNZM2020-307306).
  • Following is the format of PMS:

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• Multi-Transport Mode: When goods are transported by rail, suppliers must update Part B of the EWB using the "Multi-Transport Mode" option and select "Rail" as the transport mode.

• Validation Process: The EWB system will validate the entered RR No./PWB number against PMS data. Mismatches will trigger alerts, so accurate data entry is essential.

• FOIS and Leased Wagons: For goods transported through FOIS or Leased Wagons, the entry process remains the same as in previous advisories.

• Support for Discrepancies: Taxpayers can raise tickets for any issues or discrepancies related to RR No./PWB entry by contacting the support team.

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Conclusion

The integration of the Indian Railways Parcel Management System (PMS) with the E-Way Bill (EWB) system marks a significant improvement in ensuring accuracy and compliance in goods transportation. By adhering to the guidelines for the correct entry of Railway Receipt (RR) numbers and Parcel Way Bill (PWB) numbers, taxpayers can avoid potential errors, ensure smooth validation, and contribute to a more streamlined and transparent logistics process. Proper data entry not only prevents discrepancies but also facilitates seamless tracking and verification, ensuring goods are transported efficiently and in line with GST regulations.

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