The Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 is now entering a pivotal phase of implementation.
On 20 December 2024, the European Commission adopted the Implementing Act for government systems, which outlines technical specifications for the IT infrastructure of competent authorities and the required national eFTI gates.
With legal obligations due to take effect in 2027, and key technical requirements for platforms being finalised throughout 2025, both public authorities and private sector stakeholders are encouraged to begin preparing now for the transition to fully digital freight documentation.
9 July 2027: Digital Submission Becomes a Right
From 9 July 2027, all competent authorities in EU Member States will be obliged to accept electronic freight transport information (eFTI). As of this date, businesses will have the legal right to submit cargo documentation electronically during inspections—a major milestone in the EU’s journey toward digital freight logistics.
Further details, including the Implementing Act and the Delegated Act on eFTI data sets, are available on the European Commission’s website: The eFTI Regulation – European Commission
Dutch eFTI Gate Development Underway
In the Netherlands, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has begun developing the national eFTI gate. An IT supplier has been selected, and work is underway on the system’s architecture. This effort is being carried out in collaboration with key regulatory and enforcement bodies, including the ILT, Police, Royal Marechaussee, Rijkswaterstaat, and port authorities, to ensure readiness by the 2027 deadline.
Market Platform Specifications in Progress
In parallel, the European Commission is developing the technical specifications for market-facing eFTI platforms. A first draft of the Implementing Act for these platforms was shared with Member States in March 2025.
In response to Member State requests, the Commission is now closely coordinating with private sector stakeholders through the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF)—a group of around 100 representatives from logistics firms, IT companies, and trade associations.
A series of technical workshops in April and May 2025 will explore topics such as system architecture, identification, and authorisation. These discussions, supported by case studies, will directly inform the final version of the Implementing Act.
In the Netherlands, the draft regulation has been circulated to industry experts and trade organisations for feedback to ensure it aligns with Dutch market practices and needs.
Additional Legislation in Development
Alongside the Implementing Act for eFTI platforms, several complementary legislative instruments are being prepared:
• An Implementing Act for eFTI service providers
• Delegated Acts outlining certification requirements for both platforms and service providers
These measures are intended to ensure a secure, interoperable, and standardised digital freight ecosystem across the EU.
Key Milestones Ahead
• April–May 2025 – DTLF workshops with European stakeholders
• 16 April – Presentation of eFTI at the DALTI Spring Event
• May – Have Your Say: Public consultation on the draft Implementing Act for eFTI platforms
• 7 May – Project leader meeting for national regulators
• June – Final consultations between the European Commission and Member States
• 10 July 2025 – Formal adoption of the Implementing Act for eFTI platforms
• Autumn 2025 – Official publication and legal entry into force of new requirements
Background: What is the eFTI Regulation?
Adopted on 15 July 2020, the eFTI Regulation was introduced to support the digitalisation of freight information exchange across the European Union. It applies to all modes of freight transport—road, rail, inland waterways, and air—and allows transport operators to submit documentation either electronically or on paper.
The regulation aims to:
• Reduce administrative burdens
• Increase operational efficiency
• Ensure harmonised regulatory compliance across the EU
To achieve these objectives, the eFTI Regulation mandates the development of:
• eFTI platforms by private sector participants
• National eFTI gates by Member States
• Interoperable systems across both public and private actors
All systems must comply with common technical specifications, as laid out in the Implementing and Delegated Acts issued by the European Commission.