Allowing e-way bills possible only for intra-state transportation of gold, not inter-state: GoM

NEW DELHI: States have backed the introduction of e-way bills for intra-state movement of gold.

A panel of officers will work out the details of the proposed framework, which will then be taken up by the group of ministers (GoM) set up by the Goods and Services Tax Council at its next meeting.

The GoM on Friday decided against making e-way bills mandatory for inter-state transportation of the yellow metal following opposition from some states, but left the decision of introducing it for intra-state movement on the states.


The GoM includes finance ministers of Kerala, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Karnataka and West Bengal. The issue was discussed via video link.

The ministers arrived at a consensus after Kerala withdrew its proposal of introducing e-way bill for transporting gold across the country.

Kerala’s finance minister Thomas Isaac, who also heads the GoM, told ET, “Kerala put forth a proposal that states must be given the freedom for e-way bills within the state.” He said the other option of e-invoicing was also discussed.

After deliberations, the GoM will present its consensus report to the GST Council. The panel will also look into the possibility of e-invoicing on every sale of gold and precious metals and jewelry as prescribed by the rules. "They will explore the possibility of levying reverse charges--where the buyer pays tax on purchase of gold--to check sale of smuggled gold," Isaac said.

The government plans to introduce e-invoicing from October 1, 2020 for firms having a turnover of over ₹500 crore.