Types of E-Invoicing APIs

As we already know that the e-invoicing API helps in interacting ERP with Invoice Registration Portal (IRP). So, in this blog, we will discuss the different types of e-invoicing APIs, preconditions to use APIs, and the benefits of using the same.

Types of E-Invoicing APIs

There are currently different types of e-invoicing APIs, some of the major e-invoicing APIs are:

Authentication API

To get access to API you need to first authenticate it with the credentials. A taxpayer has to first generate the authentication token that is valid for 360 minutes and then needs to authenticate the credentials.

Generate IRN

Generate IRN API helps in generating the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) for an e-invoice.

Cancel IRN

Cancel IRN API helps the taxpayer to cancel the generated IRN within the stipulated time that is within 24 hours.

Get E-Invoice Details

Using Get E-Invoice Details API, a taxpayer can easily generate details for an IRN.

Generate E-Way Bill Details

Generate E-Way Bill Details API helps a taxpayer to generate an e-waybill using IRN. However, it shall be noted that for a canceled IRN you cannot generate an e-way bill.

Get GSTIN Details

Using Get GSTIN Details API, a taxpayer can easily obtain the details for a given GSTIN.

Cancel EWB 

Cancel EWB API helps the taxpayer to cancel the generated e-way bill within the stipulated time that is within 24 hours.

Get IRN Details

Using Get IRN Details API, a taxpayer can easily generate and authenticate the IRN generated by the IRP. 

Preconditions to Use E-Invoicing APIs

Following are the preconditions to use e-invoicing APIs:

1. Automation of invoice generation process.
2. Any taxpayer’s system using Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) to generate e-invoice must be free from viruses, malware, etc. NIC may suspend the service if they find any malicious traffic.
3. A taxpayer needs to follow all standard operating protocols prescribed by the Government of India.
4. A taxpayer needs to meet all the security requirements for application and infrastructure.
5. GSPs/taxpayers must comply with the IT Act 2000 and all the amendments thereunder.
6. A taxpayer needs to mention at least 4 Indian Static IP addresses to use the sandbox testing environment of the e-invoicing portal. Sandbox testing of any API is necessary to know the usability of different types of services or activities. 
7. Using the pre-production system, the taxpayer needs to test their modified systems with all types of activities/services.

Benefits of using E-Invoicing APIs

1. Using e-invoicing APIs you can integrate ERP with IRP flawlessly.
2. A taxpayer can avoid duplicity of data as e-invoices can be directly generated using ERP.
3. A taxpayer can eliminate data entry errors in the e-invoices.
4. The taxpayer can easily file GST returns and e-way bills using e-invoicing APIs.