What are the API available for einvoice in GST portal?

 

What Are the APIs Available for e-Invoice on the GST Portal?

The Indian Government introduced the e-Invoicing system under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to standardize B2B invoices across the country. The system mandates that eligible taxpayers generate invoices electronically and report them to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) in real time. To support automation and seamless integration, the GST Network (GSTN) provides a set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that enable taxpayers, ERP providers, and GSPs (GST Suvidha Providers) to interact programmatically with the e-invoicing system.

In this article, we’ll explore the different APIs available for e-Invoicing on the GST portal, their functionalities, and how businesses can leverage them.

🔍 What Is an e-Invoice API?

An e-Invoice API is a set of web-based services provided by GSTN that allow software systems to communicate with the Invoice Registration Portal. These APIs enable automated generation, validation, and management of e-invoices without manual intervention.

APIs are particularly useful for:

  • ERP integrations

  • High-volume invoice generators

  • Tax professionals and GSPs

  • Fintech and accounting software platforms

🧩 Categories of e-Invoice APIs

The APIs provided for e-invoicing are divided into multiple categories depending on their functions. Here are the primary categories:

1. Authentication API

This is the first step to access any IRP service. It generates a token required for calling other APIs.

  • API Name: /authenticate

  • Purpose: To authenticate the user and generate an access token (session-based)

  • Method: POST

  • Required Inputs: Client ID, Client Secret, GSTIN, Username, Password

2. e-Invoice Generation (IRN Generation) API

The core API used to generate an Invoice Reference Number (IRN) by submitting invoice data to the IRP.

  • API Name: /einvoice/generate

  • Purpose: To generate an e-invoice and obtain IRN, QR code, and digitally signed invoice

  • Method: POST

  • Input: JSON payload with invoice details as per the e-invoice schema (INV-01)

3. IRN Cancellation API

Allows cancellation of an e-invoice within 24 hours of generation.

  • API Name: /einvoice/cancel

  • Purpose: To cancel an IRN generated previously

  • Method: POST

  • Input: IRN, Cancellation Reason, and Remarks

4. e-Invoice Retrieval API

Used to fetch e-invoice details based on the IRN.

  • API Name: /einvoice/get

  • Purpose: To retrieve the full invoice data based on IRN

  • Method: GET

  • Input: IRN

5. QR Code Generation API

Some businesses may want to regenerate the QR code for display or printing.

  • API Name: /einvoice/qr-code

  • Purpose: To regenerate QR code based on IRN and invoice details

  • Method: POST

  • Input: IRN

6. e-Way Bill Generation API (Bundled with e-Invoice)

Allows the generation of an e-Way Bill alongside the IRN, reducing duplication.

  • API Name: /ewaybill/generate-by-irn

  • Purpose: To generate e-Way Bill based on an existing IRN

  • Method: POST

  • Input: IRN, Transporter details, Vehicle Number, etc.

7. Generate e-Invoice in Bulk

Used for bulk invoice generation for high-volume users like GSPs.

  • API Name: /einvoice/generate-bulk

  • Purpose: Generate multiple IRNs in a single request

  • Method: POST

  • Input: Array of invoice objects

8. Get GSTIN Details

Fetches master data associated with a GSTIN to pre-validate or auto-fill invoice data.

  • API Name: /common/gstin-details

  • Purpose: To get GSTIN-registered details like Legal Name, Trade Name, Address

  • Method: GET

  • Input: GSTIN

9. Sync GSTIN from GST Portal

Synchronize and update GSTIN status and metadata from the GST portal.

  • API Name: /common/sync-gstin

  • Purpose: Sync new or updated GSTINs to local DBs

  • Input: GSTIN

📌 Prerequisites for Using e-Invoice APIs

To access and integrate these APIs, the following prerequisites must be met:

  1. GST Portal Registration: The business must be registered under GST and eligible for e-invoicing.

  2. API Access Mode: The taxpayer must access APIs via:

    • Direct Integration (for large taxpayers)

    • Through a GSP (GST Suvidha Provider)

    • Through ASP/ERP software integrated with the IRP

  3. Sandbox Access: Developers should test their solutions using the sandbox (test) environment before going live.

  4. Client Credentials: Client ID and Secret are issued by the IRP authority for secure communication.

  5. Security Compliance: Secure TLS/SSL channels, IP whitelisting, and proper encryption must be implemented.

🔧 Modes of Access

There are two main modes to access the e-invoice APIs:

a) Direct Integration

For large enterprises generating a high volume of invoices, GSTN allows direct API integration with the IRP after due approval and compliance checks.

b) Via GSP or ASP

Most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) prefer to access the APIs through GSPs, ASPs, or ERP providers, who manage the integration and compliance for them.

🔒 Security and Rate Limits

  • Access Token Expiry: Typically valid for 6 hours

  • Rate Limiting: Limits are applied based on GSTIN and IP to prevent abuse

  • IP Whitelisting: Required for direct API users

  • Audit Logs: Should be maintained for all API calls for compliance

🧪 Testing with API Sandbox

GSTN provides a sandbox environment for developers to:

  • Test payloads

  • Validate schema formats

  • Check QR code rendering

  • Simulate invoice generation and cancellation

Registration for the sandbox is available via https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in for eligible taxpayers and software vendors.

📈 Benefits of Using APIs for e-Invoicing

  • ✅ Real-time invoice validation and compliance

  • ✅ Reduced manual errors and reconciliation

  • ✅ Automated e-Way Bill generation

  • ✅ Faster business workflows and accounting

  • ✅ Integration with ERP, accounting, and invoicing tools

✅ Conclusion

The GST e-Invoicing API ecosystem offers a powerful set of tools for businesses to automate, scale, and simplify their compliance processes. Whether you're a large enterprise or a software provider, integrating these APIs can enhance your invoicing efficiency and accuracy significantly.

As the Indian tax system becomes increasingly digital, adopting API-based integration with the IRP is not just an option—it’s a strategic necessity for smooth and compliant operations.


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