As Europe’s tank cleaning sector pushes toward higher digital standards, stronger regional networks and closer industry collaboration, EFTCO is advancing on several fronts.
German tank cleaning stations are preparing for the next phase of digital communication, Lithuania has gained a second EFTCO approved facility and members gathered in Lisbon for the federation’s first annual meeting of 2026. Against this backdrop, EFTCO secretary Lutz Harder shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the German and wider European market.
How prepared are German tank cleaning stations to adopt the eECD 2.0 system and what barriers still exist at loading points to achieving full digital integration?
The involved German tank cleaning stations are completely prepared for the renewed requirements of BASF Ludwigshafen and are preparing for digital order processing. Implementation is a commercial balancing act, as currently only BASF is implementing the electronic ECD (Electronic EFTCO Cleaning Document) within the industry.
Unfortunately, all other loading points organised within ECLIC have not yet implemented their requirements and they have not fulfilled their commitments in this regard.
Digitalisation can only succeed if it is supported by a positive response from multiple participants. The involved associations are also called upon to better support their members. For tank cleaning facilities and their service providers, especially in the software sector, the introduction of digital communication represents a significant personnel and financial investment that will only be successful with broader market acceptance.
Nevertheless, the cleaning facilities are motivated to utilise the advantages of digital communication and see a significant benefit in the area of security, particularly with digital cleaning orders. Furthermore, the possibility of falsifying cleaning documents is made more difficult, which is certainly also in the interest of the loading points.
Due to a lack of demand from loading points, there are efforts in both Belgium and Germany to use ECLIC eECD 2.0 without the involvement of transport companies and loading points. This is intended to accelerate the transition from paper based solutions to digital communication.
What impact will the updated EFTCO Cleaning Codes — particularly E59 (Mixer Cleaning) and E73 (CIP Installation Cleaning) — have on operational processes and investment requirements for German cleaning facilities?
The EFTCO Cleaning Codes are a proven and flexible tool for adapting to individual market requirements. The translation of all codes into our members' languages enables the correct, language independent reading of the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD).
Therefore, not all cleaning systems require all EFTCO codes, but those that wish to use them have the option. The most recently implemented codes, E59 (Mixer Cleaning) and E73 (CIP Installation Cleaning), are less commonly used in Germany.
How are German tank cleaning operators addressing the rising issue of misdeclared last loads and what additional controls or industry cooperation are needed to reduce safety and environmental risks?
False product declarations for items to be cleaned — whether to save on cleaning costs or to present a subsequent shipment with a suitable previous product — remain a highly dangerous practice by clients.
Environmental damage from improper wastewater disposal, as well as workplace hazards for employees carrying out the cleaning, represent an unaccepted risk.
Improved communication during the cleaning order process, ideally digital or written directly from the transport company, eliminates at least intentional or unintentional misdeclarations due to language barriers. Employee training is available to recognise potential misdeclarations in a timely manner based on shipping documents and safety data sheets, helping prevent accidents and damages.
To what extent are German chemical and food grade transport companies demanding higher transparency and quality assurance, such as EFTCO Food Assessments or SQAS, and how is this shaping cleaning station competitiveness?
DVTI is seen as the driving force within EFTCO to increase food safety and raise awareness of this issue. The EFTCO Food Assessment acts as a magnifying glass, examining the content of the documented results.
We are proud of the increasing acceptance of this assessment, which is viewed as a quality indicator in many parts of the food industry. The same applies to SQAS.
Food safety is no longer a niche concern, so we remain open to suggestions from the industry and integrate the experiences of our member companies. That’s where the expertise lies.
What role will German tank cleaning stations play in supporting kosher and halal compliance and how are they adapting to evolving religious, economic and environmental expectations?
As across Europe, the definition of P27 HALAL Cleaning could not be finalised in cooperation with involved religious leaders.
EFTCO had defined a P27 Halal Cleaning instruction, which was seen as too complicated, especially regarding the definition of haram unclean previous loads. Therefore, EFTCO’s members decided to adopt the P26 Kosher Cleaning Process into P27 Halal Cleaning Process.
The three last products can be added to the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD) when advised by the customer or transport company.
The declaration of the given three previous products is the client’s responsibility and the classification as halal suitable intermediate products lies entirely with the transport company.
How is the German tank cleaning sector preparing for increased collaboration with logistics associations and the wider shipping industry?
We recognise that we occupy a rather small niche within the interplay of national and international associations. However, the service we provide at the beginning and end of the bulk transport logistics chain is of fundamental importance.
For this reason, we are always interested in further cooperation and discussions with the industry, without claiming a leading role in this orchestra.
EFTCO strengthens tank cleaning footprint
