On October 17, 2022, industry representatives discuss solutions for the implementation of digital consignment notes (eCMR) at the IRU Workshop

The speakers of the workshop representing global, international and regional organizations, associations and structures, including the IRU representation in Brussels, UN ECE, TRACECA, DB Schenker, TN Torello, AKANEA, etc. exchanged their vision on the strategy for the introduction of the electronic consignment note. Along with this, a group of participants, bringing together company delegates, presented their solution, thereby summarizing the main problems they face in their daily work.

During speeches, the participants heard presentation of TRACECA, which pays great attention to the implementation of TRACECA initiatives aimed at digitalizing the transportation process as one of the priority areas for the development of international transport links in the region, is working on the creation of a unified information system of TRACECA countries and is actively working with the International Road Transport Union on countries joining the Additional Protocol to the CMR with the use of electronic consignment note CMR.

"9 out of 13 TRACECA countries (Bulgaria, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan) have joined the Additional Protocol to the CMR.
TRACECA studied and analysed international experience in the implementation of the electronic consignment note, held a number of meetings with developers of prototypes used in European countries. The results of the pilot transportations demonstrate that the implementation of eCMR requires a more coordinated approach and integration with the information systems of state bodies at the international level. Improvement is required in terms of supplementing the functionality of customs authorities in connection with the crossing of many borders. Without adoption of unified approaches at the international level, such work will not allow achieving positive results at the regional level” – Mr. A.A. Assavbayev noted.
 
"A cooperative approach and joint work, bearing in mind the interests of countries of different regions, will ensure an increase in the competitiveness of cargo transportation by road between the countries of Eurasia,” - Secretary General pointed out.

On the outcomes of the workshop, the participants of the meeting came to a common agreement to continue work towards the use of e-CMR.