EUROPE’S PATH INTO DIGITAL LOGISTICS

Getting ready for eFTI

With the eFTI Regulation, Europe is taking a decisive step towards fully digital logistics. For the first time, there is a uniform legal framework that replaces paper-based freight documents with digital data models. However, success depends on all stakeholders now pulling together.

Standardised processes, interoperable systems, Europe-wide: eFTI saves time, reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Status quo

What is eFTI?

eFTI requires authorities in the EU member states to accept transport information for all modes of transport in electronic form. For companies, participation in eFTI is initially voluntary. But joining is worthwhile, as it means less administrative burden and accelerated processes.

The regulation

The Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation (EU 2020/1056), adopted on 15 July 2020, created the legal framework for the exchange of data between authorities and companies. This eliminates the use of paper between control authorities and companies.

The technical framework

The technical framework describes how transport information is exchanged in a digital ecosystem: companies provide transport information on so-called eFTI platforms – authorities retrieve this when required via eFTI gates.

Markus Sandbrink

CIO, Rhenus Group

»At Rhenus, we view eFTI as a positive step forward. As the industry moves steadily toward full digitalization, we believe eFTI should be an integral part of a truly end-to-end digital strategy. Regulations like eFTI are essential to building more reliable and efficient supply chains.«

Barry Van Leuven

Managing Director, Pionira

»At Pionira we see eFTI as a central driver of digital transformation in the logistics sector. eFTI is not just a regulatory framework, but also a lever to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation, and accelerate the adoption of digital transport documents across Europe. Clear and harmonised rules throughout Europe are crucial to building trust and ensuring smooth implementation.«

NEW PERSPECTIVES

Where does eFTI stand today?

In the eFTI4EU, eFTI4ALL und eFTI4LIVE projects, the EU Commission has initiated the implementation of the eFTI architecture. The goal is to establish a proof of concept for the technical framework, which also includes the development of initial components. However, the success of the eFTI Regulation will crucially depend on these components meeting practical requirements. Against this backdrop, it is essential that the perspectives of companies are seen and heard. Industry must have the opportunity to examine, adapt, and further develop the results – and it must also utilize them. This is the only way to develop lean, practical solutions – and thus an interoperable system that works across Europe.

SERVICE FOR COMPANIES

The eFTI platforms

Companies provide their data via the eFTI platforms – either on their own systems or on the systems of service providers.

The eFTI platforms are among the so-called commodities in logistics: they are necessary, but not differentiating – similar to shipment tracking or time slot management, which are both basic functionalities for which companies in the Open Logistics Foundation are already jointly developing open source solutions.

The central challenge in development lies in creating uniform components that can be easily used and integrated so that parallel developments and efforts can be minimised and interoperability can be ensured.

One standard for all companies

The Open Logistics Foundation promotes a joint approach among companies and collaboratively developed components on the companies’ eFTI platforms. This provides all companies with fast access and simplifies the connection to eFTI.