What is the e-CMR?
The CMR is the consignment note that materialises the international road-freight transport contract. Its electronic version, the e-CMR, rests on an additional protocol to the CMR Convention, in force since 2011. To date, 35 countries have ratified it, and adoption is accelerating across Europe.
The eFTI regulation: the 2027 deadline
The European regulation on electronic freight transport information (eFTI, Regulation (EU) 2020/1056) reaches a decisive milestone: from 9 July 2027, authorities must accept transport information in electronic form, via certified eFTI platforms. Going digital stops being an option and becomes an enforceable right.
Why it's a concrete gain
Beyond compliance, the stake is efficiency. The European Commission estimates that digital transport documentation could save around 160 million sheets of paper a year. Less paper means fewer lost documents, faster checks and accelerated invoicing.
How to prepare
- Check e-CMR ratification in your countries of operation;
- Choose tools compatible with the upcoming eFTI framework;
- Digitise route documents and proof of delivery now;
- Train drivers to present an electronic version at checks.
The role of dispatch
A platform that centralises orders, routes and digital proof of delivery forms the natural base of dematerialised transport. Anticipating 2027 means starting to digitise your documents today.
- e-CMR = additional protocol to the CMR Convention (since 2011), 35 countries ratified
- eFTI Regulation (EU) 2020/1056: mandatory acceptance of electronic form on 9 July 2027
- ~160 million sheets/year saved (European Commission estimate)
- Anticipate: digitise documents and proof of delivery now
Prepare for dematerialisation today. Try dropfleet free for 14 days — no credit card, ready in 5 minutes.
Sources
This article is based on verifiable public sources: