EFTI CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS AND REMAINING CHALLENGES AHEAD OF 2027 IMPLEMENTATION
On 27–28 October, CLECAT participated in the third eFTI Yearly Conference, entitled “From Policy to Practice: Preparing Europe for eFTI Implementation”, held in Paris. The event brought together more than 150 participants from across Europe, including representatives from the European Commission, national administrations, technology providers and the logistics industry, to discuss progress towards the implementation of the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation.
Discussions focused on the state of implementation across Member States, the development of the necessary digital infrastructure and the readiness of economic operators. While progress is being made, implementation remains uneven across countries. A dedicated workshop on the opportunities and challenges for businesses highlighted potential benefits such as wider use of electronic consignment notes (eCMR), more seamless data exchange and greater efficiency in logistics processes. Participants also stressed the need for clearer guidance and support to help companies prepare for the transition.
The conference also addressed wider interoperability challenges, including links with the European Maritime Single Window environment (EMSWe), the use of eFTI for dangerous goods and waste transport, and the integration of eFTI into transport management systems. These discussions underlined the importance of ensuring that digital solutions work across different transport modes and systems, supporting practical implementation throughout the supply chain.
With the 9 July 2027 implementation deadline approaching, the discussions in Paris reinforced that the success of eFTI will depend not only on technological readiness but also on the active involvement of businesses. As a partner in the Horizon Europe-funded EXITO project, CLECAT will contribute to promoting the wider adoption of eFTI and ensuring that the needs of the logistics industry are reflected in the development of practical and interoperable digital solutions. This work will be important in helping translate the regulatory framework into tangible benefits for freight forwarders and logistics service providers.