eFTI: Digitizing Freight Transport in the European Union
The European Union(EU) has taken a major step in modernizing the freight transport industry by implementing the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation. This regulation represents a significant change as, until now, transport documents have been managed almost exclusively on paper, which involves a laborious process with significant risks of errors and delays. With the implementation of eFTI, the EU is introducing a digitized, efficient and more secure system for the exchange of information, which will affect all modes of transport - road, rail, air and maritime.
What is eFTI and Why is it Important for Freight Transport?
eFTI(Electronic Freight Transport Information) is a system regulated at European level that aims to digitize transport documents. Under the new rules, all freight transport information must be transmitted and verified electronically, eliminating the need for paper documentation. This information will be stored on eFTI-certified platforms, enabling data exchange between operators, customs authorities and other transport partners.
The main goal of eFTI is to streamline the freight transport process by reducing bureaucracy, improving transparency and increasing data security. Both competent authorities and economic operators will thus benefit from a faster and more secure system for processing transport information.
eFTI Implementation Stages
The implementation of eFTI will take place over several years and will involve a number of key milestones to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Here are the main milestones and deadlines:
- January 2025: Start developing the IT infrastructure
As of January 9, 2025, the Member States of the European Union will start to develop the IT infrastructure needed to facilitate the use of eFTI. These IT systems will enable customs authorities and transport agencies to digitally verify transport information, providing a framework for the full digitization of transport documentation. - September 2025: Publication of final technical specifications
By September 2025, the European Commission will adopt detailed technical specifications for eFTI platforms and service providers. These will include the functional and technical requirements necessary for transport platforms to be certified under European regulations. It will also lay down rules for the deployment of these platforms and for the certification of service providers. - January 2026: Preparing eFTI platforms for operations
From January 2026, eFTI platforms and service providers will prepare for operations. National authorities will be able to accept data stored on certified eFTI platforms for inspections and transport operators will start to integrate these platforms into their operational systems. - July 2027: Full implementation of the eFTI Regulation
By July 2027, the eFTI Regulation will become fully operational and authorities in all EU Member States will be obliged to accept digital transport information submitted via certified eFTI platforms. This will mark the end of paper documents for freight transport, reinforcing the use of digital systems across Europe.
Benefits of eFTI for the Transport Industry
The implementation of eFTI brings numerous benefits for transport operators, competent authorities and the entire logistics industry. Key benefits include:
- Cutting red tape
Digitization of transport documents will eliminate the need to complete and archive paper documents, significantly reducing administrative workload. Economic operators will save time and resources by integrating transport documentation into an efficient IT system. - Improving transparency and security
The exchange of information through eFTI platforms will ensure greater transparency in the management of the transport process, providing authorities and business partners with quick access to relevant data. At the same time, IT systems will protect sensitive data through encryption and other cyber security measures. - Increased operational efficiency
Digitizing the process will improve operational efficiency by reducing human error and the time taken to verify and validate documentation. It will also make it possible to track shipments in real time, allowing better management of logistics flows and resources. - Compliance with international regulations
The implementation of eFTI will help transport operators to meet the requirements of European and international freight transport regulations, facilitating compliance with customs, safety and environmental regulations. The IT systems will ensure real-time compliance, reducing the risks of sanctions and fines. - Reducing costs
Digitization of the transport process will help to reduce costs related to documentation, transport and checks. The use of an IT system for the management of transport data will reduce costs for administrative staff, paper and archiving of physical documents.
eFTI Implementation Challenges
Despite the obvious benefits, eFTI implementation is not without challenges. Some of the main obstacles that transport operators and national authorities will face include:
- IT infrastructure deployment costs
Although the deployment of IT systems for eFTI will bring savings in the long term, the initial costs for developing and deploying IT platforms will be significant for both national authorities and economic operators. - The need for training and education
In order to use eFTI platforms, transport operators and authorities need to train their staff in the use of new technologies. It will also be necessary to sensitize the whole industry to the benefits and requirements of the digitized system. - Interoperability issues
One of the main challenges will be to ensure interoperability between the different IT platforms and systems used in the various transport sectors. This will require a collaborative effort from national authorities and IT solution providers to create an integrated and efficient system. - Cybersecurity
With the digitization of the transport process, data security is becoming a major concern. eFTI platforms will need to implement state-of-the-art security measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.
The implementation of the eFTI Regulation represents a transformational change in the way the freight transport sector works across Europe. By digitizing transport documents and creating a unified data exchange system, the EU is taking an important step towards modernizing and streamlining the industry. Although the implementation process will entail significant challenges, the long-term benefits - including cutting red tape, increasing transparency and improving operational efficiency - will help create a faster, safer and more sustainable transport sector.