Big Relief for Truck Drivers and Transporters! Government Plans New GST Rules to Stop Unnecessary Checking of Goods Vehicles:

There is good news for truck drivers, transporters and businessmen who send goods from one state to another. The government is planning to change GST inspection rules to reduce unnecessary checks on goods vehicles. Under the proposed rules, mainly officials of the state from where the goods are sent or where they are delivered will have the authority to stop and inspect vehicles. Officials of other states on the route will generally not be allowed to stop trucks at their own discretion.

The proposal was approved at the 57th meeting of the GST Council held on October 8. However, the new rules will come into effect only after the government officially notifies them. Until then, the existing rules will continue to apply.

Permission of Senior Officer Required

As per the proposed rules, GST officials will not be able to stop a goods vehicle just on suspicion. They must have specific information or good evidence to justify an inspection. An officer of the rank of Joint Commissioner and above will also have to give their approval before a vehicle can be stopped. The objective is to avoid undue harassment to traders and transporters and to ensure that vehicles are stopped only when there are valid reasons.

E-Way Bill and other documents will continue to be required

Under the proposed changes, the requirement to have the necessary documents when transporting goods would not be removed. As per GST rules, e-way bill is generally required for goods valued over Rs 50,000 but there are some exceptions. This requirement applies to both intrastate and interstate transportation, under the rules that apply. Even after the new rules are in place, officials will be able to verify e-way bills and other required documents through the system. Businesses and transporters therefore have to make sure their paperwork is in order.

How Will Traders and Transporters Benefit?

Today, GST officials in states that a vehicle passes through can stop trucks and check their documents, which can cause delays in deliveries and create more problems for businesses. Such checks are expected to become more restricted under the proposed rules. For instance, a truck carrying goods from Delhi to Punjab passing through Haryana will not be stopped at the discretion of Haryana officials under the new rules. The changes should cut down on unnecessary inspections, save time and help get goods to their destinations more smoothly.