Rhine-Alpine News
15.01.2025
EU takes a step toward paperless freight transport

Picture by DmitrySteshenko on Pixabay
The first electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) implementing and delegated acts have entered into force, allowing Member States to set up IT systems for paperless freight transport. The regulation is a significant step in the digital transformation of freight transport across the European Union, enabling a shift from paper-based document exchanges to standardized electronic data on cargo transport. As of July 2027, this data can be shared via secure, eFTI-certified IT platforms, reducing administrative burdens, increasing data security, and facilitating EU and national freight regulations compliance.
Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas is quoted: „Europe’s freight transport sector is preparing for the future. The introduction of Electronic Freight Transport Information is a big step forward, driving the digital transformation of our transport systems and improving efficiency. It could save the EU transport and logistics sector up to €1 billion per year. By creating common standards and making systems work together, eFTI paves the way for fully paperless transport in the EU.“
The eFTI implementation specifications will be adopted by the Commission by September 2025, providing detailed functional and technical requirements for IT systems and services for businesses. Member States can begin developing IT systems for checking eFTI compliant transport information by January 2026. By July 2027, the eFTI Regulation will apply, requiring Member State authorities to accept information shared electronically by operators via certified eFTI platforms.
Source:
German field trial for charging electric trucks while driving completed

Symbolic picture by Netze BW on Unsplash
Since May 2019, trucks on the route between Langen and Weiterstadt in southern Hesse have been able to dock onto an overhead line with a pantograph and recharge their batteries at full speed. This is one of three test routes for hybrid overhead line trucks, with up to eleven trucks on the road every working day. The project is part of three nationwide tests for hybrid overhead line trucks.
The project, Elisa, aims to research climate-neutral heavy goods transport using overhead line technology. The results of the field test are expected to be available in the second half of 2025.
More information about the project can be accessed below.
Source(in German):
Italian logistics to introduce Reverse Charge for VAT

Symbolic picture by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash
Italian logistics is set to introduce the Reverse Charge measure for VAT purposes, a fiscal innovation resulting from collaboration between the Italian and European authorities.
The measure is included in the maxi-amendment to the Budget Law 2025, which requests the Italian Government to obtain EU authorisation to apply it in the sector. Assologistica played a key role in achieving this result, with the proposal receiving positive reception in Brussels and Rome. The Reverse Charge is designed to stabilise the tax system and encourage transparency in operations and is not just a tax measure but a fundamental part of a broader project of regulation and innovation in the sector.
In the traditional VAT context, suppliers issue invoices including VAT and charge the tax to the customer, who then pays the collected VAT to the Treasury. This system reduces tax fraud, particularly in sectors with evasion risks, such as logistics.
Source(in Italian):