TIRANA, Oct 21 /ATA/ – Albania has adopted the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), introducing the electronic consignment note (e-CMR) as part of efforts to modernize and streamline cross-border freight transport, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Blerta Rama said Tuesday.
Speaking during a parliamentary committee hearing on the draft law, Rama said the move is expected to boost the efficiency of the transport network, reduce delays at border crossings, and improve cargo tracking and regulatory compliance.
Albania has adhered to the CMR Convention since 2006. The new legislation aims to implement the 2008 Additional Protocol on electronic consignment notes, simplifying documentation procedures while enhancing security and operational effectiveness in international freight transport.
“The use of electronic versions of the CMR document, mandatory for participating states, will simplify data exchange, reduce physical paperwork, and improve logistics planning,” the Deputy Economy Minister said.
She added that the implementation process will be overseen by the European Commission, with Albania receiving technical and financial support under the EU’s Growth Plan framework.
Currently, customs authorities rely on physical transport documents for cargo inspections. However, electronic submission will soon be enabled through systems under development, such as the Customs Single Window and the new customs transit system.
Albania will also align with EU conventions and standards under the European Transport International by Road Network (ETIRNET), as part of a broader initiative to fully digitize transport documentation and enhance efficiency and safety in international goods trade.
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