Understanding eFTI: Key Terms and Concepts Explained

Our experts have been working with eFTI for years, and the number of abbreviations and concepts we have encountered - and sometimes even helped develop - during this time is quite unbelievable. We know that when you hear some of these terms for the first time, they can seem confusing, and with so many abbreviations, the eFTI world can feel a little overwhelming. That is why we have gathered some of the most commonly used eFTI terms and concepts below, with a simple explanation of what they mean.

eFTI → electronic Freight Transport Information is and EU Regulation (EU 2020/1056) that sets the legal framework for sharing freight transport information electronically between businesses and Competent Authorities in the EU. The main goal of the eFTI Regulation is to replace paper documents with secure, standardized electronic data.

eFTI is mandatory → From 9 July 2027, the eFTI Regulation becomes fully applicable. EU Member State authorities will be obliged to accept eFTI data when economic operators choose to provide information electronically. Economic operators (cargo owners, freight forwarders, carriers, etc.) are not obliged to use eFTI. Participation is voluntary - they can decide whether or not to provide information via an eFTI platform.

eFTI Gate → is a publicly owned, EU Member State- operated system that acts as a secure intermediary between eFTI platforms and Competent Authorities.

eFTI Platform → is a private, certified digital environment (such as a system, application, or database) used by companies to store, process, and share their freight transport information electronically.

Competent authorities (CA) → are the national control bodies designated by each Member State to check regulatory transport information - for example police and road inspectorates.

Authority Access Point (AAP) → is the ICT component through which a competent authority’s officers (e.g., transport inspectors, customs officers, police, road authorities) access the eFTI exchange environment. It is effectively the authority’s gateway into the eFTI ecosystem. The eFTI Gate then handles communication with eFTI platforms and, when necessary, with other Member States’ eFTI Gates.

Hopefully, this has made the eFTI picture a little clearer for you! And if you still have questions or there is a term you would like us to explain, let us know - we are happy to help!