Freight transport in Europe is undergoing a major transformation thanks to Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI), a European regulation designed to standardize and digitize information exchanges. With key deadlines between 2025 and 2027, this standard promises to reduce administrative costs and improve interoperability between industry players. In this article, we explain in detail the changes brought about by eFTI, the steps involved in its implementation and its impact on logistics and transport.

Adopted under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2024, eFTI is based on European and international standards to harmonize electronic data to be shared between carriers, customs and other stakeholders. Its main objectives include:

• Standardized information exchange: a single format for all industry players;
• Elimination of paper documents: fewer human errors and greater data security;
• Easier controls: direct, simplified access for the authorities thanks to certified platforms.

Data harmonization :

• EU Customs Code Data Model (EU CDM), used to structure customs exchanges.
• Model of the European Maritime Single Window (EMSWe), facilitating the integration of maritime information.
• Reference model for multimodal transport (UN/CEFACT), supporting the interoperability of logistics flows.

Examples of harmonized elements:

• eFTI41: Gross mass, standardized with units such as GRM (grams), KGM (kilograms).
• eFTI76: Country code, based on standard ISO code lists.
• eFTI855: "Amount currency code", compliant with UN/CEFACT standards.
• QR codes and unique links: provide direct, secure access to information, reducing human error.
• Adoption of data elements with unique technical definitions and formats (format, length, character type).

Adoption of data elements with unique technical definitions and formats (format, length, character type).

Standard Data Structures

• Creation of data subsets covering :
  
  • EU legal requirements.
  • Specific national regulations.
• Standardization of code lists and business rules.
• Simplify inspections with data instantly available in the inspector's language via certified platforms.

Interoperability and Administrative Burden Reduction

• Economic operators can reuse eFTI data in B2B and B2A exchanges. For example, a B2B (Business-to-Business) exchange could involve the sharing of standardized shipment information between a carrier and a logistics provider via a certified eFTI platform, enabling efficient tracking of shipments. A B2A (Business-to-Administration) exchange, on the other hand, could involve the direct transmission of electronic transport documents to a customs authority for regulatory checks. The following diagram illustrates these interactions:

• Authorities benefit from simplified access to information to verify compliance with the rules.
• Estimated annual reduction in administrative costs of €1 billion for the European transport and logistics sector.

eFTI transforms freight transport exchanges:

B2B (Business-to-Business) exchanges

• Sharing logistics information: a carrier shares cargo tracking data with a logistics service provider via a certified eFTI platform.
• Efficient planning: better coordination of loads and routes thanks to system interoperability.

B2A (Business-to-Administration) exchanges

• Simplified customs controls: direct transmission of electronic documents to authorities for inspection.
• Transparency and compliance: shared data is standardized and secure, facilitating audits.

The eFTI benefits on several levels:

• Carriers: less time wasted on inspections and fewer administrative errors;
• Authorities: rapid access to reliable, standardized information ;
• Logistics suppliers: optimized coordination of operations thanks to centralized data.

Why is this a major step forward?

eFTI brings key benefits:

• Reduced administrative costs: up to €1 billion a year for the European sector.
• Interoperability: better coordination between different systems and players.
• Sustainability: less paper and more efficient processes.

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The year 2025 marks the start of the practical implementation of eFTI. EU Member States are now empowered to develop their IT systems in preparation for paperless freight transport, following the entry into force of the first eFTI implementing and delegated acts in January 2025.

January 2025: Development of computer systems

Member States may begin to set up their IT systems in accordance with the specifications defined by the eFTI implementing and delegated acts. These acts specify the design of the IT systems and the data to be exchanged, thus establishing the conditions for moving from paper-based exchanges to standardized electronic data for all modes of transport. 

September 2025: Adoption of final technical specifications

The European Commission plans to adopt the final technical specifications, providing detailed functional and technical requirements for the IT systems and services used by companies (eFTI platforms and eFTI service providers), as well as the rules for their certification. 

January 2026: Preparation of certified eFTI platforms

eFTI platforms and service providers can start preparing for operations. Member State authorities can begin accepting data stored on certified eFTI platforms for inspection. 

July 2027: Full application of eFTI regulations

eFTI regulations will be fully applied. Member State authorities will have to accept information shared electronically by operators via certified eFTI platforms. 

Summary

• January 2025: Development of eFTI-compliant IT systems by EU member states
• September 2025: Adoption of final technical specifications by the European Commission;
• January 2026: Start of operations on certified eFTI platforms ;
• July 2027: Full entry into force.

The eFTI project represents a major step forward in the digitization and harmonization of documentary exchanges in freight transport. By 2025, European standards will be reinforced by unified data structures and compliant platforms, reducing administrative costs while increasing control efficiency. This transformation also promises to support a more sustainable and globally competitive logistics sector. With full implementation scheduled for 2027, the transition to fully electronic exchanges marks a decisive step towards paperless transport in the EU.