The New eFTI Regulation: A Step Towards Digitalizing Freight Transport in the EU

The European Union has taken a significant leap towards modernizing its freight transport sector with the introduction of the new eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information) Regulation. This regulation aims to replace traditional paper-based documentation with electronic data across all modes of transport, including road, rail, inland waterway, and air.

Key Objectives and Benefits

The eFTI Regulation is designed to reduce administrative burdens for both operators and authorities, enhance data security, and ensure compliance with EU and national freight regulations. By mandating the acceptance of electronic data by authorities in all EU Member States, the regulation aims to streamline the entire freight transport process.

For businesses, the anticipated annual savings are substantial, with estimates suggesting a reduction of €1 billion in operational and administrative costs for the EU transport and logistics sector. The instant sharing of data through eFTI-compliant platforms will enable more efficient logistics planning, vehicle loading, and routing. Additionally, easy access to data will improve multimodal transport planning and decision-making, leading to a more dependable supply chain.

Authorities will also benefit from the eFTI Regulation. The improved efficiency of compliance checks, lower enforcement costs due to fewer physical inspections, and higher quality of data will allow for better monitoring of policy implementation.

Operational Framework

The eFTI Regulation requires business data to be housed on secure, certified IT platforms that can be easily integrated with companies' existing data management systems. This data will only be shared with authorities upon explicit inspection request, using unique access links in machine-readable formats such as QR codes. The platforms will also allow companies to share data selectively with their authorized business partners by granting them tailored access rights.

Towards a Future-Ready EU

The eFTI Regulation is expected to promote eco-friendly transport, encourage the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies in logistics, and boost the global competitiveness of the EU transport sector. By embracing digitalisation, the EU aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient freight transport system.

As the implementation process continues, businesses and authorities alike are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for this e-transformation. Regularly consulting official EU channels for updates will ensure that organisations are fully equipped to navigate the changes brought about by the eFTI Regulation

Member States can now set up their IT systems for paperless freight transport, as the first eFTI implementing and delegated acts entered into force on 9 January 2025, detailing IT system design and data exchange requirements.

The eFTI Regulation advances the digital transformation of freight transport in the EU by enabling a shift from paper-based documents to standardized electronic data for all transport modes.

Starting July 2027, this data can be shared via secure, eFTI-certified IT platforms integrated into companies’ data systems, allowing them to share standardized data with authorities and partners.

This digital shift reduces administrative burden, enhances data security, and aids compliance with EU and national freight regulations.

Next steps:

• As of January 2025: Based on the implementation specifications provided in these first eFTI implementing and delegated acts, Member States may start developing the IT systems necessary to allow authorities to check eFTI compliant transport information.

• By September 2025: The Commission plans to adopt the remaining eFTI implementing specifications. These will provide detailed functional and technical requirements for the IT systems and services to be used by businesses (eFTI platforms and eFTI service providers) and the rules for their certification.

• As of January 2026: eFTI platforms and service providers can start preparing for operations. Member States authorities may start accepting data stored on certified eFTI platforms for inspection.

• As of 9 July 2027: The eFTI Regulation will apply in full. Member State authorities must accept information shared electronically by operators via certified eFTI platforms.

For More Information

eFTI website

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2025 of 15 July 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 by amending its Annex I Part B

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2024 of 26 July 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 by establishing the eFTI common data set and eFTI data subsets

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1942 of 5 July 2024 laying down common procedures and detailed rules for accessing and processing electronic freight transport information by competent authorities in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council