What is eFTI 2027?

eFTI (electronic Freight Transport Information) is the European framework set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/1056, which requires that, from 9 July 2027, enforcement authorities must accept electronic freight information when a carrier provides it digitally. eFTI 2027 refers to that deadline. The goal is that paper freight documents can be replaced across the EU by structured, digitally exchangeable data. LaneDesk helps logistics operators in BE, NL, FR, DE and LU make their order data eFTI-ready today.

Which key terms do you need to understand this?

The following terms recur throughout this explanation of eFTI 2027.

What exactly is eFTI?

eFTI is a European regulatory framework, not a software product. eFTI standardises how legally required freight information is provided to and accepted by enforcement authorities. Today, not every authority accepts digital freight documents, which means paper is often still needed. eFTI solves this: it obliges authorities to accept structured electronic data via certified eFTI platforms. The framework covers all commercial transport modes: road, rail, inland waterways, sea and air.

What changes on 9 July 2027?

From 9 July 2027, the competent authorities in all EU member states must accept freight information in electronic form when an operator chooses to provide it that way. From that date, an authority may no longer refuse a valid eFTI submission because it is digital. The date comes from Regulation (EU) 2020/1056; the technical detail is set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1267. This is a milestone in the digitalisation of European freight transport.

Who does eFTI 2027 apply to?

eFTI 2027 affects two groups in different ways.

In practice, eFTI mainly affects logistics operators that work with multiple shippers and cross-border transport, because they benefit most from exchangeable digital freight data.

Is eFTI 2027 an obligation for carriers?

No, on that date eFTI 2027 is not a direct, fineable obligation for carriers. The legal obligation lies with the authorities to accept eFTI, not with carriers to provide it. Even so, the direction is clear: shippers and tenders increasingly expect structured, digitally exchangeable freight data, and those who are ready now win those tenders more easily. Practical preparation begins at the order desk, where the data enters the system.

What is the difference between eFTI and e-CMR?

eFTI and e-CMR are often confused, but they are not the same.

Aspect eFTI e-CMR
What it is EU framework for accepting electronic freight information Electronic version of the CMR consignment note
Legal basis Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 Additional protocol to the CMR Convention
Scope All modes (road, rail, inland waterways, sea, air) Specifically road transport
Focused on Data exchange with authorities Digitalising a single document

So eFTI is the broader framework; e-CMR specifically digitalises the consignment note for road. They complement each other: an e-CMR can be part of the data you make available via eFTI.

What data does eFTI require?

eFTI defines a set of mandatory data elements that must be available digitally for inspection. These include the consignor, consignee, consignment note reference, goods description, weight, pick-up and delivery location, date, carrier, means of transport and relevant permits. The full technical list and specifications are set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1267. The key point is that this data must be structured and correct, not scattered across separate emails and PDFs.

What should you do today to be eFTI-ready?

Preparing for eFTI 2027 does not start with new software, but with the quality of your order data.

How does LaneDesk make your order data eFTI-ready?

LaneDesk delivers managed order-intake: a managed service that reads, checks and books incoming transport orders from email, PDF and Excel into your existing TMS or WMS. As a result, your order data sits in your system in a structured and checked form, exactly the basic prerequisite for eFTI. LaneDesk does not file eFTI declarations with authorities itself, but ensures that the data you later export to an eFTI platform is correct and complete. This makes conversion to eFTI format achievable instead of a manual clean-up job.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What does eFTI mean? eFTI stands for electronic Freight Transport Information, the European framework for the electronic exchange of legally required freight transport information, set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/1056.

What concretely changes on 9 July 2027? From that date, competent authorities in the EU must accept freight information in electronic form when a carrier provides it digitally. They may no longer refuse a valid digital submission.

Will I be fined if I am not eFTI-ready on 9 July 2027? No. The Regulation obliges authorities to accept eFTI, not carriers to provide it. But shippers and tenders increasingly expect structured data, so those who are ready now are in a stronger position.

Does eFTI also apply to inland waterways or rail? Yes. eFTI covers all commercial transport modes: road, rail, inland waterways, sea and air. The deadline of 9 July 2027 applies to all modes, although the practical implementation differs per sector and member state.

What is the difference between eFTI and e-CMR? e-CMR is the electronic road consignment note, governed by a protocol to the CMR Convention. eFTI is the broader EU framework for accepting electronic freight information across all modes. An e-CMR can be part of your eFTI data.

Do I have to replace my TMS or WMS to be eFTI-ready? In most cases, no. Existing TMS systems are getting eFTI export modules via their suppliers. What is critical: your order data must already sit in your system in a structured form today, otherwise conversion to eFTI format is unfeasible.

Which data must I be able to provide via eFTI? Among others the consignor, consignee, consignment note reference, goods description, weight, pick-up and delivery location, date, carrier, means of transport and relevant permits. The full list is set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1267.

How does LaneDesk help with eFTI 2027? LaneDesk makes your order data eFTI-ready by booking incoming orders from email, PDF and Excel into your existing TMS or WMS in a structured and checked way. This way the data is ready to be exported correctly to an eFTI platform.

Further Reading