The EU Regulation 2020/1056 on electronic freight transport information is beginning to take effect in Italy. The launch took place in Verona on 22 May 2025, where the Ministry of Transport, supported by Ram and the technical partner Circle Group, coordinated a pilot test involving an international shipment between Italy and Austria, during which inspections were carried out by the Verona Municipal Police and the Traffic Police.
Two operators affiliated with Fedespedi (Scortrans) and Anita (Codognotto) took part in the initiative, which made use of a pilot application connected to the national node eFTI Gate Italy. This node, designed to integrate with European platforms, allowed real-time verification of digital transport documentation, effectively demonstrating the possibility of replacing traditional paper documents with reliable and secure electronic equivalents. The trial also included testing of the e-CMR, the digital version of the consignment note, which is regarded as a key tool for improving efficiency along the logistics chain.
The Verona trial is not an isolated event but the start of a broader process. The next phases will involve new routes and operators, with a view to progressively extending the model at both national and European level. For Circle Group, the project's technical partner, the initiative confirms the value of innovation in the service of logistics. As stated by president Luca Abatello, contributing to the implementation of the e-CMR in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Ram consolidates Italy’s position among the most active countries in implementing the eFTI Regulation.
Regulation EU 2020/1056 entered into force on 21 August 2024, introducing an obligation for the competent authorities of Member States to accept regulatory information in electronic format, provided it is transmitted through certified digital platforms. The guiding principle is to reduce reliance on paper documentation, offering operators the opportunity to manage information in a structured electronic format. However, for companies, digitalisation remains optional. There is no obligation to abandon paper, but choosing to go digital entails compliance with specific technical and security requirements, and the exclusive use of technology platforms recognised as compliant.
The Regulation is not limited to road transport but applies to all main modes of transport: rail, maritime, air and land. It covers both European and national regulations listed in its annexes. To facilitate the secure exchange of data, the figure of the service provider has been introduced, a certified intermediary who ensures the integrity, traceability and protection of information between businesses and authorities. From January 2026, these authorities will be able to access data stored on certified eFTI platforms directly, including for inspection purposes.
The expected benefits are numerous. First and foremost, greater operational efficiency, thanks to faster procedures and the immediate availability of information in a standardised format. A significant reduction in administrative costs is also anticipated, with less time spent managing paper documents and an overall simplification of operations. Data standardisation also supports smoother cooperation between businesses and public administrations, improving transparency and traceability throughout the entire logistics chain.
