The eFTI Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 on electronic Freight Transport Information, is the EU rule that makes digital freight documents stick. It doesn't force businesses to go paperless; it forces public authorities to accept freight information in electronic form when an operator offers it that way, across road, rail, inland-waterway and air transport (maritime falls outside the regulation). That removes the catch that has held digital freight documents back: an inspector could always demand paper. Nexport Logistics moves your freight through the Nexportal platform, where this data already lives digitally.
What it actually obliges
- Authorities must accept electronic freight data (consignment information, dangerous-goods data, etc.) submitted via certified eFTI platforms and eFTI service providers.
- It covers road, rail, inland waterway and air.
- For businesses, providing data electronically stays voluntary. But once you do, the authority can no longer insist on paper.
The timeline
- Adopted: 15 July 2020; in force August 2020.
- First implementing/delegated acts in force: 9 January 2025. Member States may start building the IT systems that read eFTI data.
- eFTI platforms and service providers operational: from January 2026 (certification of platforms/providers).
- Full application, authorities MUST accept eFTI: 9 July 2027.
From the 2027 go-live, the mechanics are designed to be simple at the roadside. Data is shared on explicit inspection request, through a unique access link (e.g. a QR code) into the authority's system, via a secure certified platform. The driver shows a code, not a folder of paper.
eFTI vs. eCMR
- eCMR = a treaty that makes the electronic consignment note legally valid for international road carriage.
- eFTI = an EU regulation that makes authorities across the covered modes (road, rail, inland waterway, air) accept electronic freight data.
They're complementary: eCMR validates the document, eFTI guarantees it's accepted EU-wide.
What it means for you
Between now and 9 July 2027 it stays optional, and you must still be able to present paper if asked. The destination is fixed though. Operators should plan for certified eFTI platform integration rather than treating digital freight data as a nice-to-have. After 2027, "we can only do paper" stops being an excuse anywhere in the EU.
How Nexport Logistics handles it
We carry your shipments with the freight data managed digitally in Nexportal, and we move with the eFTI framework as certified platforms come online. Your transport documents are ready for the 2027 acceptance rule instead of scrambling for it.
Planning cross-border road or multimodal freight? Email info@nexportlogistics.nl.
Official sources: European Commission — The eFTI Regulation · EC — Towards paperless freight transport (9 Jan 2025) · Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (EUR-Lex). Related: Ecmr · Road · Digital Logistics