eFTI Regulation: The Digitization of Freight Transport
October 10, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes
What is the eFTI regulation?
The eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information) regulation represents a major revolution for the European logistics sector, notably by accelerating the automation of logistics documents (Logistics document automation) and promoting the emergence of Intelligent Document Processing (IDP). Published on July 15, 2020, this regulation will be fully applicable from August 2024. Its main objective is to require European Union member states to accept information relating to goods in digital format, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the logistics sector.
Key points of the eFTI regulation:
- Publication date: July 15, 2020
- Full implementation: August 2024
- Objective: Mandatory digitization of transport documents
- Scope: All EU Member States
Why was eFTI created?
Originally, less than 1% of freight transport operations in the European Union were fully digitized. Faced with this alarming situation, the European Commission decided to introduce eFTI to radically transform the sector by encouraging the use of logistics document automation and intelligent document processing (IDP).
The regulation establishes a set of essential rules and standards. These standards aim to facilitate and secure the electronic exchange of documents relating to the transport of goods:
- Delivery notes
- Packing lists
- Documents relating to specific goods
- Other regulatory transport documents
Before the eFTI, there was no legal framework or European standard for electronic data exchange. The publication of this regulation clearly demonstrates the European Union's desire to digitize and harmonize documentation practices across Europe. The ambitious goal is to make digital the standard format, whereas today more than 90% of transport documents are still in paper format.
How does eFTI work?
Starting in 2024, logistics operators will be able to submit their freight documents in fully digital form. This can be done from their phone or computer, greatly simplifying the process.
Modes of transport concerned:
- Road transport
- Rail transport
- Maritime transport
- Air transport
The framework applies to all these activities, thereby creating complete harmonization within the sector.
What are the advantages of eFTI?
The European Commission established eFTI for several strategic reasons. By creating a uniform legal and technical framework, the regulation lays the foundations for a new, fully digital ecosystem.
1. Accelerated digitization of the transportation market
The primary objective is to address the low level of acceptance of electronic documents in international trade. By requiring Member States to accept information in digital format, eFTI seeks to: • Promote the adoption of electronic invoicing • Digitize all documentation • Ensure the security and reliability of exchanges • Improve operational efficiency
The new regulation aims to strengthen the use of digital technologies, such as logistics document automation and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP). It enables compliance with regulatory requirements within the EU, reduces administrative burdens, and increases digitization in freight transport and logistics.
2. Improved logistics interoperability
There are currently multiple IT solutions available in Europe for exchanging freight information. However, the incompatibility of these solutions often leads drivers to favor paper documents. This process remains costly and time-consuming.
Thanks to eFTI platforms, administrative procedures will be made considerably easier by: • The adoption of a common European system • Harmonized standards • Uniform practices across Europe • Reduced processing times
3. Significant reduction in environmental impact
The implementation of eFTI directly contributes to reducing paper use. Transportation is the only sector in the EU where GHG emissions have increased since 1990. By promoting the exchange of electronic documents, the aim is to drastically reduce paper consumption.
Estimated environmental benefits:
- Reduction of 1,300 tons of CO2 emissions over 20 years
- Saving between 180,000 and 900,000 trees per year
- Reduction in paper waste
- Optimization of natural resources
eFTI platforms: Transformation infrastructure
For the digitization and automation of logistics documents in exchanges between businesses and authorities (B2A), eFTI platforms are beginning to emerge. They increasingly incorporate intelligent document processing (IDP) solutions, thereby facilitating electronic exchanges between states from a single ecosystem.
Features of eFTI platforms:
- Certification: By national authorities
- Data model: Harmonized for transportation
- Interface: Standardized at the European level
- Status: Private but regulated platforms
All modes of transport, as well as modal shift, are affected by the use of these platforms. The only area not currently covered is maritime transport.
Essential platform features:
- Full compliance with the GDPR
- Confidentiality of commercial data guaranteed
- Right of access and processing for competent authorities
- Ability for operators to make the desired data available
As of September 30, 2025, the eFTI regulation has been fully applicable since August 2024. The web architecture work to establish the ecosystem is in the final phase of implementation.
The DTLF (Digital Transport & Logistics Forum), a European forum bringing together stakeholders in the sector, continues to work actively on this issue. Its objective remains to assist the European Commission in developing and implementing activities and programs aimed at:
- Promote large-scale digital interoperability
- Facilitate data exchange in a common space
- Ensuring the security and reliability of exchanges
- Create an environment of trust for all stakeholders
Docloop is one of the public and private players in the DTLF who are considering how to promote and integrate digital transformation in the sector. Within our working group, we are actively supporting the implementation of the eFTI system at the European level.
The current work consists of:
- Clearly define what eFTI data is
- Finalize the technical architecture
- Organize exchange processes
- Train end users
FAQs
Q.
When did eFTI become mandatory?
The regulation has been fully applicable since August 2024, following its publication in July 2020.
Q.
Which documents are covered by eFTI?
All freight transport documents: delivery notes, packing lists, customs and regulatory documents.
Q.
Does eFTI apply to all modes of transport?
Yes, it covers road, rail, air, and sea transport within the European Union.
Q.
Should companies use a specific platform?
Les entreprises peuvent choisir parmi les plateformes certifiées par les autorités nationales, garantissant l'interopérabilité.<En définitive, la dématérialisation des documents de transport à l'échelle européenne représente une transformation majeure du secteur. Avec l'application complète depuis août 2024, il convient de suivre attentivement l'évolution et l'adoption par les différents acteurs pour mesurer l'impact réel de cette révolution digitale.<br>
