The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has released an advisory dated 17/11/2023 with details on direct API integration with any of the 6 Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs) for e-invoice reporting. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key steps, guidelines and instructions for taxpayers looking to leverage direct API integration.
Overview of the 6 IRPs
There are currently 6 IRPs authorized by the GSTN for e-invoice registration:
- NIC1 IRP
- NIC2 IRP
- IRIS IRP
- Clear IRP
- EY IRP
- Cygnet IRP
Each IRP provides API functionality, sandbox testing access, documentation and support for direct integration.
Sandbox Testing
Taxpayers looking to onboard for direct API integration must first test the integration in the sandbox environment provided by the IRPs. The sandbox URLs are:
- NIC1 IRP: https://einv-apisandbox.nic.in/
- NIC2 IRP: https://einv-apisandbox.nic.in/
- IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in/content/kb/manage-sandbox-access/
- Clear IRP: https://irp-sandbox.clear.in/app/onboarding
- EY IRP: https://sandbox.einvoice5.gst.gov.in
- Cygnet IRP: https://sandbox.einvoice3.gst.gov.in/home
API Access Registration
After successful testing, taxpayers can register their request for API access through the following links:
- NIC IRPs: https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Documents/eInvoice_process.pdf
- IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in/content/kb/api-integrator-registration/
- Clear IRP: https://einvoice4.gst.gov.in/frequently-asked-questions/
- EY IRP: https://api.einvoice5.gst.gov.in/irp5/irpapi/v1.0/api/generate
- Cygnet IRP: https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in/home
API Limitations
Some key limitations set by IRPs include:
- NIC IRPs only allow integration for taxpayers with turnover > Rs 100 cr
- Clear IRP allows integration for all taxpayers enabled for e-invoicing
- EY IRP sets limits based on indicated volume during onboarding
- Cygnet IRP sets limits based on turnover like NIC IRPs
Production Access
Post registration, taxpayers can access production APIs via:
- NIC IRPs: https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Documents/eInvoice_process.pdf
- IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in/content/kb/manage-production-access/
- Clear IRP: https://einvoice4.gst.gov.in/
- EY IRP: https://einvoice5.gst.gov.in/
- Cygnet IRP: https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in/
Technical Documentation
Each IRP provides API specifications, documentation and guides for integration:
- NIC IRPs: https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Documents/eInvoice_process.pdf
- IRIS IRP: https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in/content/kb/overview-of-core-apis/
- Clear IRP: https://einv-apisandbox.nic.in/
- EY IRP: https://sandbox.einvoice5.gst.gov.in
- Cygnet IRP: https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in/specifications
Support
Taxpayers can reach out for integration support at:
- NIC IRPs: https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/ or 1800-103-4786
- IRIS IRP: support@irisirp.com
- Clear IRP: einv-support@cleartax.in
- EY IRP: gspprodonboarding@irp5.in
- Cygnet IRP: support@cygnetirp.in or 079-6921 2555
This covers the key steps and guidelines from the GSTN advisory on direct API integration with IRPs for e-invoicing. Taxpayers should refer to the latest GST Act and rules for compliance.
https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/downloads/news/e-invoice_api_integration_guide_irps.pdf