Crates of fabrics valued at several crores of rupees are being returned at the borders of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as they do not have an e-way bill. The e-way bill was made compulsory for textile deliveries under the GST introduced in July. Approximately 30 per cent of saris and dress fabrics in India are supplied to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from other states.

GST has cast a shadow on textile trade. Traders were hopeful that the marriage season would improve their fortunes. But states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar do not allow goods without an e-way bill. Traders are losing business which is especially pressing during the wedding season when purchases of traditional wear are at their highest peak for the year. And there is confusion surrounding the matter. Though the rule was supposed to have been implemented only in 2018, local GST officials have been enforcing it strictly at the borders of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Under GST, transporters will need to carry an electronic waybill or e-way bill when moving goods from one place to another. A movement of goods of more than Rs 50,000 in value cannot be made by a registered person without an e-way bill.