In 2024, the Digital B2B Observatory of the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano revealed a notable delay among Italian companies in adopting Transport Documents (DDT) and Letters of Receipt (CMR) in electronic format. This scenario is in contrast to Italy’s leadership in Europe in the fields of electronic invoicing and digital storage. According to the research, only 35 percent of Italian companies use electronic DDT, although often in a non-digitised manner, while the implementation of e-CMR is still in its infancy.
First steps towards the digitization of transport documents: regulations
The varying degrees of digitisation between electronic invoicing and the digitisation of transport documents and waybills are primarily attributable to the fact that electronic invoicing and digital storage are legal obligations, while the utilisation of e-DDT and e-CMR remains optional. However, it should be noted that the regulatory framework is changing rapidly. In fact, a significant acceleration has already been observed since the introduction of Law No. 37 on March 8, 2024, which, as of September 26, 2024, allows for the use of e-CMR in Italy as well. This digital version of the waybill, already recognised in the 58 countries party to the 1956 Geneva Convention, is attracting the attention of companies because of its economic and operational advantages.
eFTI Regulation: towards mandatory digitization
The European eFTI Regulation 2020/1056, effective from 24 August 2024, represents a significant further step towards compulsory digitisation. This regulation requires economic operators to digitally share transport-related information with the relevant authorities, with two key requirements: using a certified eFTI platform for data management and providing information in electronic format for both automated access and manual consultation.
Authorities will also be required to accept and process this information digitally, ensuring official validation by electronic means.
Digitizing to save money: reducing costs and sanction risks with e-CMR
Legislative Decree No. 87 of June 14, 2024, published in the Official Gazette on June 28, introduced new penalties for intra-EU supplies of goods to align the penalty regime for intra-EU supplies with that in place for extra-EU exports. In the event that transportation by the non-resident transferee is not carried out within 90 days of the due date, the transferor will be liable for payment of VAT, despite not being liable for it. A penalty will be incurred equal to 50 percent of the uncharged tax. This adjustment aims to equalise the penalty regime between intra-EU transactions and extra-EU exports.
It is important to note that the use of appropriate digital tools, which provide real-time certification of transport activities, can help to streamline processes and reduce the risk of onerous controls, administrative sanctions, and loss of time and money. This is particularly relevant for businesses operating within the field of transport, where ensuring compliance with regulations is crucial.
In addition to this, a significant figure has been identified with a view to saving money. According to a study by Uniontrasporti for Unioncamere, the adoption of e-CMR can generate savings of approximately 21 euros per document. In addition to this, it ensures greater security through the recipient’s digital signature.
What are the benefits of digitizing transport documents?
Investing in the digitization of transport documents brings numerous benefits, including:
- Economic Efficiency: e-DDT and e-CMR dramatically reduce administrative costs, estimating more than 80 percent savings throughout the supply chain and accelerated international customs operations. (Source: IRU, Uniontrasporti and Osservatorio B2B Politecnico di Milano).
- Security and traceability: digital transport documents ensure authenticity, inalterability and protection from fraud, especially when supported by blockchain technology.
- Real-time accessibility: electronic documents can be accessed instantly by all supply chain actors, improving logistics management.
- Environmental sustainability: reducing paper use contributes to a lower ecological impact, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.
Technology solutions for digitization
European regulations will require companies to adopt tools that promote document digitisation, but those who invest earlier than others will gain a significant competitive advantage. Through interconnected IT architectures, leveraging Edge Computing, Blockchain and API technologies, security, maximum interoperability, smooth integration, speed and supply chain traceability for trusted connections between exporters, shippers and carriers, ports, terminals and government authorities, banks and insurance companies can be ensured.
The digitisation of DDT and CMR is a key step for transportation companies, as evolving regulations, along with economic and operational benefits, make this an attractive option for the sector. Advanced, certified tools are available to optimise supply chains, reduce costs and ensure regulatory compliance.
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