Paper inactive reigns, but digitalization is coming
Digital shipping lists are a key component in the modernisation of transport. Their implementation is intended to reduce costs, reduce bureaucracy and improve checks. In addition, the elimination of paper papers is part of the strategy of ecological transformation of the logistics sector.
The European Commission already adopted eFTI Regulation (EU 2020/1056) in 2020 to enable associate States to build electronic data exchange systems. It was planned that eCMR platforms would start operating in October 2024, and as of August 2025 inspections would be required to accept digital shipping lists. However, the deficiency of detailed method and certification rules caused almost 2 years delay.
– The electronic transport lists are, above all, to facilitate procedures and importantly accelerate the exchange of papers between operators. This will translate into greater efficiency of companies and a simplification in their operating costs. PITD and GS1 carefully estimation that digitalisation will reduce administrative expenditure in the transport manufacture by about 60%.[1] In practice, this means easier controls, less downtimes on routes, more human mistake elimination and better logistics planning. Moreover, according to the European Commission, the introduction of electronic transport letters could save more than EUR billion per year for the transport and logistics sector[2] – emphasises Mateusz Italy, expert on improvement and training, Inelo from the Eurowag Group.
Current regulations – where are we?
In order to regulate eCMR, the European Commission has published 3 key legislative acts:
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1942 of 5 July 2024. – sets out procedures for the access of authorities to electronic transport information.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2024 of 26 July 2024. – defines a common set of eFTI data.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2025 of 15 July 2024. – adapts rules to national and EU requirements, allowing data to be transmitted electronically.
– The provisions of the above regulations entered into force from 9 January, this means that associate States can start the first work related to eFTI. However, there are inactive provisions on the rules for the certification of platforms and the method specifications of systems. The absence of these papers prevents advanced work at national level. Without clear guidance, associate States cannot full make the applicable operating rules and systems, which slows down the full process of introducing electronic transport letters. For this reason, full implementation was postponed to July 2027," explains Matthew of Italy.
Poland at a digital crossroads
Poland inactive does not have full legal regulations allowing transport to be carried out solely utilizing electronic transport documents. At present, the rules require drivers to usage paper transport manifests during roadside inspection. However, in late 2024 the Ministry of Infrastructure presented a draft amendment to the Road Transport Act, which would let the usage of eCMR without the request to usage an electronic signature.
– This can accelerate the introduction of electronic transport letters in Poland, which will make transport companies much easier to operate. Although there is inactive legislative work in the TSL sector, there is clear advancement in this area. The absence of an electronic signature request (relating to erstwhile proposals for amendments) may importantly facilitate the implementation of the solution, but the pace of government and the preparation of applicable IT systems will be crucial. It is worth noting that steps towards the electronicisation of papers are besides the consequence of actions, including the Polish e-CMR forum, which is simply a associate of Inelo – comments Mateusz Italiana.
The e-CMR Forum, created on the initiative of GS1 Poland, provides a platform for exchanging opinions between carriers, freight forwarders and representatives of state administration. This allows the improvement of circumstantial legal solutions that will accelerate the digitisation process in the transport sector. It is worth noting that the Polish task covers not only road transport, but besides another modes of transport, including railway, aviation and inland waterway transport.
New technologies supporting eCMR
The implementation of eCMR is besides an chance to make transport management systems (TMS) and telematics. These tools already aid to improve communication between drivers and the central unit, and in conjunction with eFTI platforms can importantly accelerate logistics processes. The European Commission expects the digital shipping lists to be full implemented in all EU countries by 2027. The work to usage only electronic papers in the future is besides being considered.
– Thanks to the integration of TMS-class systems with telematics, it is already possible to automatically make the essential papers and immediately send them to the headquarters. As a result, the driver does not request to know that something is lost on the road or that any information will not be delivered in time. In turn, the forwarding receives a package of essential data from the minute of delivery, so it can rapidly settle with the payer for transport. The introduction of electronic transport letters will be a further step towards the full digitalisation of transport, supported by transport management systems," commented Tomasz Czyż, chief expert on technological solutions, Inelo from the Eurowag Group.
EFTI Implementation Plan – Nearest Steps
The European Commission has divided the process of implementing eFTI into respective stages:
- January 2025: associate States may start building eFTI-compatible IT systems.
- September 2025: The European Commission plans to adopt missing method and certification specifications.
- January 2026: EFTI platforms can start investigating and preparation for action.
- July 2027: Full implementation of eFTI – all EU countries will be obliged to accept eCMR stored on certified platforms.
What's next? Do drivers request to prepare for changes?
Although the digitisation of transport papers inactive faces obstacles, its implementation seems inevitable. Transport drivers and companies should keep track of advancement in the introduction of eCMR, as this could mean simplifying regular work in the future. The deficiency of the request to carry paper documents, faster border checks and easier transport control are only any of the possible benefits.
Will e-CMR yet start operating at full speed? There is inactive no clear answer to this question, but 1 thing is certain – the digital future of transport is approaching, although slower than planned.
