Management team summary
In 2024–2025, the European Union and Bulgarian authorities accelerated the digital transformation of logistics processes. Key changes for freight forwarding, transport and foreign trade companies this year include progress in the implementation of eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information), the full expansion of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) to all modes of transport, as well as new requirements related to smart tachographs and national amendments to road and traffic legislation. These changes directly affect document flow, customs procedures, control checks and the data that companies must transmit and store.
eFTI — digital acceptability of transport documentation (step-by-step introduction)
What is happening:
Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI) establishes a legal framework for the electronic exchange of regulatory information in freight transport (including road, rail, inland waterways, air). Delegated regulations were adopted in 2024 and the Commission plans to adopt the remaining technical specifications in 2025; the expected end date when authorities will be obliged to accept electronic information across the EU is in the next phases (full implementation – 9 July 2027 at official deployment). By the end of 2025, the adoption of key technical acts and preparation for certification of eFTI platforms and providers is expected.
Business implications:
Preparation for the acceptance of electronic consignment and regulatory documents.
Software adaptation to eFTI common data subsets and the possibility of integration with certified eFTI platforms is required.
Recommendation (New Data can help):
Integration of ERP/TMS/freight forwarding software with ICS2 (ENS automation), data validations and logic for replacement/correction of requests.
Redefining workflows for customs department and automated notifications to customers/partners.
ICS2 — Extension of Customs Precautionary Declarations for Imports (full operation 1 September 2025 / transitions)
What is happening:
The ICS2 system (European Import Control Mechanism) has been extended beyond aviation and has become mandatory for all modes of transport since the deployment of Release 3; this means that the transmission of import data (ENS/advance information) is centralised in ICS2. Full operation for road and rail has been implemented with applicable dates in late summer/autumn 2025 and some countries have used transitional derogations.
Business implications:
Need to submit ENS/advance customs data via ICS2 formats and interfaces (before arrival/entry into the EU as a rule).
Risks of delays in the absence of integration: procedures, fines and delays in freight turnover.
Recommendation (New Data can help):
Integration of ERP/TMS/freight forwarding software with ICS2 (ENS automation), data validations and logic for replacement/correction of requests.
Redefining workflows for customs department and automated notifications to customers/partners.
Smart tachograph and driving time control - device and data update requirements
What is happening:
In the period 2024–2025, the EU strengthened the implementation of smart tachograph requirements (including the replacement of the first generation of smart tachographs and technical specifications). Some deadlines and transition periods were subject to coordination, but by mid/late 2025, compliance controls were strengthened.
Business implications:
Companies need to ensure that their fleets have compatible devices and that their tachograph data processing software supports the new formats.
Tachograph data will be used more frequently in inspections and sanctions.
Recommendation (New Data can help):
Development/adaptation of a module for collecting and storing tachograph data, automatic time reports for drivers and API for exchange with control authorities.
National changes in Bulgaria - laws and regulations (State Gazette, projects)
What is happening:
In 2025, amendments to the Roads Act and the Road Traffic Act, as well as other draft regulatory acts related to the organization of roadside inspections and the classification of carriers, were published. These changes affect licensing, control and classification requirements for carriers.
Business implications:
Adaptation of internal processes for roadside inspections and reporting.
Possible changes in the classification and requirements for carriers, which affects insurance, contractual terms and certification.
Recommendation (New data can help):
Update of control and reporting modules in TMS/forwarding systems; automated reports required during inspections; built-in regulatory (compliance) module.
GDPR and cybersecurity — increased importance in electronic data exchange
What is happening:
Mass digitization of documents (eFTI, ICS2, electronic consignment notes) increases the volume of personal and sensitive data. GDPR compliance and security measures for exchange and storage are becoming mandatory elements of software solutions.
Business implications:
Requirement for encryption, access control, traceability of actions and contractual clauses with third parties/platform providers.
Increased risk of operational and reputational damage in case of breaches.
Recommendation (New Data can help):
Embed cryptographic standards, logging/auditing, pseudonymization/anonymization mechanisms, and integration with Identity & Access Management.
Practical steps for priority adaptation (first 90 days)
Readiness assessment:
Technology audit (TMS, ERP, customs modules).
ICS2 integration:
Prioritize ENS automation for entry/exit of the EU (if you work with imports).
eFTI roadmap:
Develop an eFTI adoption plan (field mapping, formats, certification).
Tachograph and telematics readiness:
Verify devices and software parsing of new formats.
Security and GDPR:
Implement encryption and access policies; prepare contracts with eFTI/ICS2 providers.
How New Data helps with software products
For Integration with Customs Systems/ICS2 — module for automatic generation and submission of ENS, validation and status reporting, it is appropriate to use the NORD software product
eFTI readiness pack — mapping of existing data to the eFTI common data set, tools for exporting to certified platforms and preparation for audit/certification, it is appropriate to use the FOBUS UP software product
Tachograph & Telematics suite — reception, storage and analysis of data from smart tachograph, automatic reports for control and compliance, it is appropriate to use the WAREHOUSE software product
Security & GDPR toolkit — encryption, role models, logging and legal support for contracts with 3rd parties, it is appropriate to use the extended FOBUS UP – ENTERPRISE SOLUTION software product
Conclusion
The transition to digital, standardized and secure logistics is already legally predetermined and practically irreversible. By the end of 2025, the key steps that companies need to take are preparing for full integration with ICS2, active work on eFTI compatibility and securing data (tachograph / GDPR). For the freight forwarding and transport industry, this means an investment in integration and automation — but also a real opportunity to reduce administrative costs and accelerate flows. New Data is ready to assist as a technology partner for this transition — with modules, integration and consulting services specifically built for freight forwarding, transport and foreign trade businesses.
Official sources used
European Commission — eFTI (electronic freight transport information) (страница на DG MOVE). Mobility and Transport
EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI). EUR-Lex
European Commission — Import Control System 2 (ICS2) / Taxation and Customs Union. Taxation and Customs Union
FIATA /industry announcements for ICS2 deployment (Release 3 information message). FIATA
European Commission / Mobility & Transport — information about smart tachograph and application. Mobility and Transport
State Gazette – promulgated legal amendments (Roads Act; Road Traffic Act) – promulgated publications 1–5 August 2025 (official materials). Parliament.bg
Combined technical documents and presentations on the implementation of eFTI (UNECE, eFTI presentations and timeline). UNECE