IRU calls for wider digitalisation of cross-border trucking
IRU has called for further digitalisation of international road transport following a review of the electronic ECMT permit system at an International Transport Forum meeting in Rome. In an update published on 16 October, the organisation also raised concerns about regulatory differences affecting cross-border operations.
The meeting examined progress since digital ECMT permits entered use on 1 January 2026. The multilateral quota provides a framework for road transport operations across 43 participating countries.
IRU Senior Global Advocacy Adviser Jens Hügel urged governments to extend the same approach to electronic consignment notes, known as eCMR, eVisas and other tools supporting international transport.
Digital permits replace paper administration
The International Transport Forum describes the digital ECMT platform as a modernisation of licence administration across its participating countries. The platform replaces the paper-based approach with an electronic system for managing multilateral permits.
At its launch, the ITF presented the transition as part of its work to support secure and user-friendly digital transport administration. The system’s introduction concerns how ECMT licences are managed; the underlying framework continues to govern the international operations covered by those licences.
Driving rules remain a concern
The Rome discussions also addressed AETR, the international agreement covering driving times, breaks, rest periods and recording equipment. IRU warned that alignment with EU requirements had remained unresolved for several years, while provisions for smart tachographs were still lacking.
“The AETR agreement is close to collapse,” said Jens Hügel, Senior Global Advocacy Adviser, IRU.
The organisation welcomed the inclusion of AETR challenges in the strategic action plan for updating the ECMT multilateral quota. It stressed that compliance with the relevant social rules and tachograph requirements remains part of the ECMT Quality Charter.
The meeting also marked the launch of a joint IRU–ITF user guide intended to help transport operators, enforcement authorities and ministries apply ECMT licence requirements in daily operations.
