New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS): The central government on Thursday extended the trial phase of the e-way bill, to be generated under the GST regime for all inter-state movement of goods valued at over Rs 50,000.

"In view of difficulties faced by the trade in generating e-way bill due to initial tech glitches, it has been decided to extend the trial phase for generation of e-way bill, both for inter and intra-state movement of goods," said the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).

"It shall be made compulsory from a date to be announced."

The e-way bill was to become mandatory from Thursday after a 14-day trial period which started on January 17.

The implementation of this electronic documentation system, to track the movement of goods and designed to prevent tax evasion, was put on hold until the GST stabilised following the rollout of the new indirect tax regime from July 1 last year.

All states and union territories, except Lakshadweep, have joined the e-way bill system, while 13 states have signed up for the intra-state part of the system.