OLD PROBLEMS, NEW COSTS
RO E-Transport at the Beginning of the Year and the Challenges Facing Transport Operators in 2026
The year 2026 begins under intensified administrative pressure for transport operators. With the effective implementation of the e-Transport system starting January 1, 2026, the first weeks of the year bring questions, confusion, and real risks of penalties—at a time when costs are constantly rising and legislative clarity remains limited.
Starting January 1, 2026, many transport operators resumed their activity. Most are seeking advice and guidance—not because they lack experience, but because they feel overwhelmed by the numerous challenges that, instead of helping, make daily operations more difficult.
Unfortunately, these measures seem to be gradually pushing more and more transport operators toward giving up.
Looking back over 18 years of activity in the sector, transport in Romania experienced steady growth, reaching a peak between 2015 and 2020. After that period, the market began to contract. Small companies disappeared, either absorbed by larger firms or driven into bankruptcy by competitive pressure.
Two problems have persisted over the years: driver shortages and fuel theft. Time has not solved them—on the contrary, it has worsened them.
On top of these, new costs have been added:
The list continues to grow, and signs indicate that more will follow. The question becomes inevitable: how long can this continue? As more companies shut down, freight—both imports and exports—automatically disappears. And then a far more serious question arises: what do we do next?
On top of these, new costs have been added:
- Highway tolls
- Increased excise duties
- Driving schedule restrictions
- Accommodation costs
- And many other administrative obligations
The list continues to grow, and signs indicate that more will follow. The question becomes inevitable: how long can this continue? As more companies shut down, freight—both imports and exports—automatically disappears. And then a far more serious question arises: what do we do next?
As of January 1, 2026, the e-Transport system is being effectively enforced. Not because it did not exist before, but because many did not use it—either out of convenience, lack of clarity, or because it was perceived as overly complicated.
e-Transport is a system implemented by ANAF to monitor goods transported within Romania. All shipments are tracked via GPS systems that transmit real-time coordinates and positions, linked to a UIT code. It is essential that these codes are generated correctly and assigned exclusively to vehicles equipped with functional GPS systems.
One aspect often overlooked is the management of the UIT code at the end of a transport operation. When the goods reach their destination, the UIT code must be stopped or deleted. Failure to do so may lead to significant penalties.
All these explanations are part of the daily discussions we have with transport operators, in an effort to clarify a mandatory but insufficiently explained system. Although e-Transport is operational, many official guidelines remain superficial, leaving room for interpretation and costly mistakes.
The support services we provide are free of charge, as long as they do not involve the use of additional related applications. January will undoubtedly be a month full of questions, adjustments, and changes. Based on experience, technical issues cannot be ruled out, especially during an initial implementation phase.
In the next article, we will return with clarifications regarding the introduction of the eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information) system. Digitalization continues, and adaptation becomes inevitable.
I wish you sufficient patience and presence of mind.
Author: Vincze Emil Csaba
(Opinion piece – road transport & logistics sector)
