EU Electronic Consignment Note Faces Interoperability Challenges

The European Union is pushing forward with the implementation of an electronic consignment note (eFTI) system, aiming to digitize transport information across member states. However, with a deadline of July 9, 2027, approaching, significant hurdles remain, particularly concerning the interoperability of various electronic Consignment Note (eCMR) systems.

While EU authorities will be required to accept transport information electronically via certified eFTI platforms starting in 2027, the year 2026 is designated for building the necessary infrastructure, preparing national systems, and completing accreditation and certification processes. The eFTI is not a single, centralized European platform but rather a framework of common rules, data models, and certified platforms.

Industry stakeholders, including IRU and various partners, have formed a technical expert group to improve the interoperability of eCMR solutions. This group is working on an open, scalable, and global approach to B2B data exchange standards, ensuring compliance with the CMR Convention and related protocols. Real-world tests are planned for later in 2026.

In Poland, a dedicated team was appointed in July 2026 to prepare the groundwork for the eFTI system, focusing on legal and technical solutions for electronic data exchange between businesses and control bodies. While Poland already has a legal basis for eCMR, fully eliminating paper documents from all processes remains a challenge, indicating the complexity of this digital transition.