National electronic transport control systems – How new reporting obligations undermine the free movement of goods in the EU
SEO Title: "National Electronic Transport Control Systems: 7 Critical Developments Threatening the Free Movement of Goods"
Meta Description: National electronic transport control systems are having a profound impact on EU trade. Learn why new reporting requirements, such as those in Poland, Hungary, and Romania, are putting a strain on logistics and how experts in Eastern European transport can help.
Introduction – Why transport control systems are becoming increasingly common
The free movement of goods is one of the cornerstones of the European Union. It is intended to ensure that companies can trade within the EU without additional governmental barriers. At the same time, it enables more efficient use of logistics capacities, shorter supply chains, lower transport costs, and overall greater competitiveness for European companies. For the logistics sector, the free movement of goods means, in particular, predictable processes, harmonized standards, and the ability to manage cross-border operations without unnecessary delays. However, for some years now, a contrary trend has been emerging: More and more member states are introducing national electronic transport control systems that include detailed reporting requirements, tracking regulations, and strict sanctions.
What began as a tool against the black market, tax evasion, and product piracy is increasingly evolving into a dense bureaucracy that poses significant challenges for logistics companies. Transport to and from Eastern Europe is particularly affected by these measures. And this is precisely where the importance of collaborating with specialized partners becomes apparent.
SENT in Poland – New obligations for clothing and footwear from 2026
Poland is expanding its SENT system starting March 17, 2026. This time, the fashion industry is affected: clothing and footwear will be subject to mandatory electronic reporting requirements. The SENT system ("System Elektronicznego Nadzoru Transportu") is a national electronic transport control system originally introduced to monitor so-called sensitive or excise goods – including fuels, alcohol, tobacco, oils, chemicals, and certain waste streams. Its aim has been to prevent tax evasion, illegal trade, and manipulation in the supply chain. With this new expansion, the system is now being applied for the first time to product categories such as clothing and footwear, which were not previously considered high-risk.
What changes will the SENT expansion bring from March 2026 onwards?
The new rules include, among other things:
- Clothing (knitted/not knitted) from 10 kg total weight
- Used clothing from 10 kg
- Shoes, if more than 20 pairs are being transported
- Mixed shipments, as soon as the total weight exceeds 10 kg
This means that virtually all commercial transports of these goods – whether from the EU or from third countries – must be electronically registered in advance in the SENT system .
What are the consequences of the SENT expansion for freight forwarders and carriers?
For transport companies, this means:
- Transfer of the SENT number from the client
- Enter your own transport data
- Activation of a GPS tracker for the entire journey
- Notification of delivery after completion
Particularly critical: Even minor formal errors can be extremely costly.
Fines of up to 46% of the goods' value or at least 20,000 PLN (approx. 4,600 EUR) are possible.
Criticism from the business community – When bureaucracy burdens honest companies
Polish associations and many entrepreneurs criticize systems like SENT:
- especially reputable companies
- significant investments in IT and tracking are required
- are hardly feasible for small freight forwarders in the short term
- It is almost impossible to effectively prevent illegal providers
This creates a paradoxical result: those who already operate within the rules are subject to stricter controls – while criminals continue to find ways to circumvent the system. Furthermore, the pressure on companies to establish additional compliance structures intensifies, which, especially in a highly price-driven market like logistics, further reduces margins and could lead to a market consolidation in the long term, to the detriment of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Government argument – fight against the black market and tax evasion
The Polish Ministry of Finance disagrees. Shipments of counterfeit branded goods worth millions have repeatedly been seized at borders. According to the government, the measures are intended to:
- protect the internal market
- Prevent tax losses
- Curbing product piracy
- Create more transparency in supply chains
However, even if these goals are understandable, the question remains whether the measures go too far.
The contradiction: Free movement of goods vs. national control obligations
The EU guarantees the free movement of goods under Articles 34 and 36 TFEU . National reporting requirements that hinder transport are legally considered "measures having equivalent effect" – i.e., non-tariff barriers to trade .
Each additional national system creates:
- further administrative effort
- a new technical hurdle
- a new risk for fines
All of this means that the logistics sector – one of the central lifelines of the EU single market – is increasingly forced to operate under conditions that contradict the fundamental principle of the free movement of goods. The fact that the EU is not actively intervening despite this obvious contradiction exacerbates the problem and raises concerns that the single market will be further eroded if other member states introduce their own control systems.
Other countries with their own e-transport systems
Poland is by no means an isolated case. A selection of current systems:
- Hungary – EKAER / BIREG
Pre-notification of high-risk goods; registration requirements for foreign carriers. - Romania – RO e-Transport
reporting obligations for “high fiscal risk” goods and now for almost all international transports. - Italy – RENTRI
digital register for waste transports. - France – TrackDéchets
mandatory system for hazardous material and waste transport. - Greece – e-Transport:
Linking transport data with tax authorities.
Common trend: more regulation, more control, more reporting requirements .
Risks for the European logistics industry
For companies, this development means a noticeable increase in burdens: Costs are rising, the need for specialized expertise is growing, and at the same time, the technical requirements in daily practice are increasing. Added to this is the risk of enormous fines, which accompanies every procedural error and further increases the uncertainty surrounding international transport. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly under pressure as a result – precisely those companies that provide the largest share of European logistics services. Against this backdrop, it becomes clear how important reliable support and sound know-how in dealing with the various national regulations are becoming. This is where the opportunities of support from experienced experts, who can guide companies safely through the increasing regulatory complexity, become apparent.
Opportunities through expert support – Why experience in Eastern European transport is crucial
Precisely because the rules in Eastern Europe are so different and complex, companies benefit enormously from experienced specialists.
Advantages of cooperating with Expert Eastern Europe Transport
- sound knowledge of national reporting obligations
- Years of experience in Poland, Hungary, Romania and other countries
- Secure handling of all documentation requirements
- Reduction of fine risks
- transparent costs
- efficient communication
- digital transport monitoring
- reliable and punctual execution
Those who cannot or do not wish to bring this expertise in-house are ideally positioned with a specialized partner – both operationally and legally.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about national e-transport systems
- Are national electronic transport control systems legal in the EU?
Yes – as long as they serve to protect important interests such as tax security. Nevertheless, they conflict with the principle of the free movement of goods. - Will these systems be further expanded in the future?
The trend clearly suggests so. Many countries are planning additional controls or expansions of existing systems. - Do transport companies from abroad also have to report?
In almost all systems: Yes. International transport is explicitly included. - How high can the fines be?
Depending on the country, penalties range from several thousand euros to a percentage of the value of the goods. - Which industries are most affected?
Fashion, food, waste management, building materials, electronics and hazardous goods – depending on the country. - How can an expert help?
By ensuring all reporting obligations are met, providing support with digital processing, minimizing errors, and guaranteeing legally compliant transport execution.
Conclusion – Are we heading towards a reduction of the free movement of goods?
The EU faces a formidable challenge. National electronic transport control systems may pursue legitimate aims, but their cumulative effect threatens the fundamental idea of the single market. Every new control mechanism takes us further away from the free movement of goods that once brought European companies significant cost advantages.
For logistics, this means an increasing administrative burden that can only be managed with experience, specialized knowledge, and reliable partners. Companies operating in Eastern European transport should seek expert advice early on to avoid risks and maintain efficient operations.
External link (relevant):
EU information on the free movement of goods:
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu
