The e-CMR (Electronic Consignment Note) is an additional protocol to the CMR Convention, adopted in 2008, which regulates the carriage of goods by road between different countries. The CMR (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) is an international treaty signed in 1956 under the auspices of the United Nations, which lays down the rules governing the carriage of goods by road between contracting States. It applies to the international carriage of goods in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa.

Key aspects of e-CMR development

Digitisation of the paper CMR document: the traditional CMR document is a paper document containing details of the transport of the goods (cargo, carrier, consignee, etc.). Digitising this document via e-CMR makes it easier, faster and more transparent to manage logistics data.

First use of the e-CMR: The first successful pilot use of the e-CMR took place on 19 January 2017 between Spain and France.

Expansion of the Protocol: several European and Asian countries have already ratified the use of the e-CMR. To date (October 2024), 39 countries have acceded to the Protocol:
https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-11-b&chapter=11&clang=_en

Business requirements specification published under UN/CEFACT in 2018, including the data model.

https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/brs/eCMR-BRS-V_01.zip

e-CMR operationalisation document

By 2021, lessons learned on the use of e-CMR(https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/ECE-TRANS-SC1-2021-1e.pdf)

Benefits of using e-CMR:

• Saving time and reducing administrative costs
• Simplifying the transport process
• Access to real-time information
• Improved health and safety
• Reductions in paper consumption
• Promoting innovation in the supply chain

Improved interoperability: the development of e-CMR standards increases interoperability between different platforms, allowing seamless integration into existing systems of economic operators and public administrations.

e-CMR continues to gain support internationally. And with the introduction of the eFTI Regulation, the European Union is setting the legal framework for the use of e-CMR in B2G information exchange.

eFTI Regulation as a legal framework for the use of eCMR in B2G information exchange

The eFTI Regulation (EU Regulation 2020/1056) is part of the European Union’s efforts to digitise logistics and transport processes in Europe. It is a Regulation that sets out the legal framework for the electronic exchange of information on the transport of goods between businesses and the competent authorities of EU Member States.

Key aspects of the eFTI Regulation:

Objective of the Regulation: The Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation was adopted to simplify and speed up the exchange of information required for the transport of goods within the EU. The aim of introducing a digital data exchange system is to reduce administrative barriers and increase efficiency and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Scope: The Regulation covers all modes of transport of goods, including road, rail, sea and air transport. The purpose is to enable economic operators to exchange all legally binding information required for the transport of goods digitally via the relevant eFTI platforms.

Introduction of eFTI platforms: the eFTI Regulation provides for the exchange of electronic transport information via certified eFTI platforms that meet the technical requirements set out in the Regulation. These platforms must guarantee data security and traceability, while allowing easy accessibility by the competent authorities.

Timeframe: the Regulation was adopted in July 2020 and is expected to be fully implemented by Q2 2027, during which time EU Member States are expected to provide the infrastructure and technical support for the transition to electronic systems for the exchange of transport information.

Benefits of the Regulation:

1. Reducing administrative burdens: digital information exchange will reduce the amount of paper paperwork that businesses have to fill in, reducing errors and costs.
2. Standardisation of procedures: all Member States will apply the same standards and procedures, making it easier to do business across borders within the EU.
3. Increased efficiency: speeding up processes and easier access to real-time information will increase the speed and transparency of logistics processes.
4. Environmental impact: In addition to reducing paper consumption, the Regulation also contributes to more efficient use of transport and reduced emissions.

Binding legal framework (assessment of the commitment beyond 2029): The eFTI Regulation establishes a single and binding legal framework which requires all information related to the transport of goods (e.g. licences, customs information, proof of shipment) to be accessible and exchangeable in digital form.

The eFTI Regulation is a key step in the digitisation of transport and logistics in the EU. It allows for better transparency, reduces costs and errors, while simplifying cross-border operations in line with environmental sustainability guidelines.