Conditions for Implementing E-CMR in Europe in the View of Supply Chain Digitalisation Focussing Polish Experiences
Purpose: The main objective of this paper is to determine the organisational and legal conditions and the current state of implementation of the electronic consignment note (e-CMR) in Poland against the background of the challenges associated with the digitisation of supply chains, taking into account the experiences of other countries joining this regulatory system. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to achieve the main objective of the paper, secondary sources of information were mostly used. Literature on the digitisation of supply chains, international transport documents and the digitisation of consignment notes was analysed, including the legal aspects of this issue. In addition, the study utilised data from UNECE, Eurostat, General Inspectorate of Road Transport, as well as institutions, organisations and consulting agencies concerning the development of the road transport market in Europe and Poland and the digitisation of transport documents. In order to achieve the objective, an in-depth analysis of a number of legal acts was also carried out, including the provisions of the CMR Convention, the e-CMR Protocol to the Convention and the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as national acts concerning the issue in question. Findings: The results of the study indicate that the implementation of e-CMR in Europe is proceeding with some delays, although the system is expected to be operational in two years. A large group of countries (38) have already ratified the 2008 protocol on e-CMR, while 20 have not yet done so, even though they are parties to the CMR Convention. In addition, changes to the internal regulations of individual countries are being identified and gradually introduced, and preparations are underway to implement the provisions of the eFTI Regulation, which will come into full force on 9 July 2027. The adopted solution for the digitisation of consignment notes assumes the operation of certified platforms connecting participants involved in the exchange of information. The article reviews the experiences of various countries on the road to e-CMR. Particular attention is paid to Poland, where further measures discussed are also being pursued. The paper also discusses the multidimensional benefits of using electronic consignment notes, which can be viewed more broadly as those resulting from the digitisation of supply chains and constitute an argument for such measures. Practical Implications: An analysis of secondary sources has identified the legal and organisational conditions for implementing the solution and a range of multidimensional benefits of introducing e-CMR, from formal and organisational to environmental, which may serve as arguments encouraging various stakeholders to join the initiative. At the same time, the identified actions and practices from various countries, including Poland, may be important for those starting this process, as well as other partners in supply chains. Originality/Value: This article attempts to identify the conditions and methods of digitising the supply chain in terms of the digitisation of transport documents, specifically e-CMR. This approach, which takes the form of a specific case study of the conditions for the application of convention provisions and, in addition, the EU Regulation, together with the experiences of concrete countries undergoing this process, aims to enrich the literature on the subject with theoretical and practical aspects.