Looking for an easy-to-edit, professional delivery challan format? You’ve landed in the right place. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or managing inventory, a delivery challan ensures your goods move with full proof and zero confusion.
Download our free delivery challan templates in Excel and Google Docs and never worry about formatting again!
Consider a delivery challan to be a 'passport' for your goods - it indicates where the goods are going, what those goods are, and who is sending them.
Delivery challans are non-monetary documents that accompany the delivery of goods, especially for situations such as:
It’s a professional way to say, “Here’s what I’m sending — no invoice yet, but we’ve got it documented!
A delivery challan isn’t just any old piece of paper — it’s an important document that legitimises and allows the transport of goods from one location to another when a sale hasn’t occurred yet.
A delivery challan is essentially needed whenever goods are moved without a GST-compliant tax invoice for whatever reason, even if it is temporary, for trial or approval, for your internal use, or it's going to be sold in the future. It is proof of dispatch and helps you remain compliant for GST purposes.
Here are the most common situations you will need to issue a delivery challan:
If the raw materials are sent to another vendor for processing or repair, this requires a job work delivery challan stating what is being sent, and for what purpose.
Example: A manufacturer is sending fabric to a tailor who will need to stitch it.
When there is a transfer of products between different company locations and warehouses, i.e. a transfer from your Mumbai warehouse to your Pune store - a branch transfer delivery challan is required.
Important - even though this is an internal transfer, you still need to ensure that the appropriate tracking for GST is in place.
When there is a transfer of products between different company locations and warehouses, i.e. a transfer from your Mumbai warehouse to your Pune store - a branch transfer delivery challan is required.
Example: A jeweler sends a number of necklaces to a client to choose from.
When you are exhibiting products at a trade show or sending samples to clients to demo certain products, it has not been sold yet, so you must use a non-return or return delivery challan.
Tip - as an extra suggestion, add a mention that states like "for exhibition only" to avoid any confusion for GST and audit purposes.
If it's bulk liquid shipping (fuel, milk, gas, etc.), a delivery challan is generated for every tanker based on delivery, especially if the amounts are different from what was recorded at the delivery point.
If the original invoice is lost or the invoice is not completed, but the shipment has still to go out, a temporary delivery challan may be generated, allowing for the delivery of goods legally.
Let’s break it down quickly:
Feature
Delivery Challan
Purpose
For sending goods without sale
For billing after a sale
GST Details
Optional
Mandatory
Payment Info
Not included
Included
Document Type
Transport/Inventory record
Tax document
Editable Later?
Yes (until sale occurs)
No, once issued
There isn’t just one type — depending on the reason behind the movement, you might issue:
No matter how cool your design is, missing out on mandatory details can get you into trouble.
Here’s what to include:
Bonus Tip: Add your company logo for that sleek, professional look.
A well-designed delivery challan format not only looks professional but also saves time and avoids errors. Here’s how to quickly customize your challan in Excel or Google Docs:
Because winging it never works when it comes to compliance!
Here’s what you gain:
Under Rule 55 of the CGST Rules, a delivery challan is a valid document only when it follows this format:
Note: E-way bill may be required if goods exceed ₹50,000 in value.
Can I use a delivery challan as an invoice?
Nope. Delivery challan ≠ invoice. Challans are for delivery, not billing.
Are digital delivery challans accepted by GST authorities?
Yes, as long as they contain all required fields and are properly signed.
Can I send goods without a challan or invoice?
Only under certain thresholds. Otherwise, it's non-compliant.
Can I modify a delivery challan after issuing it?
Yes, until it’s converted into an invoice — then it's locked.
.svg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
