The UIT Code: What You Can and Can't Do with It, When It Expires, and What Mistakes to Avoid

The UIT (Unique Identification Transport) code is a unique code automatically generated in the e-Transport system, managed by ANAF. It aims to identify and track in real time the transport of goods considered to be at high tax risk. It is mandatory for certain categories of products, such as vegetables and fruits, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, scrap metal, cement or clothing. The UIT code is required before the transport and must be present in the transport vehicle throughout the journey, in printed or digital format.

✅ You can legally transport goods with high tax risk – As long as you have the code generated correctly and within the validity period, the transport is in compliance with the law and you are not exposed to the risk of a fine. ✅ You can prove during an inspection that the transport is declared in the system – ANAF inspectors can verify the authenticity of the code in real time, based on the documents presented. ✅ You can use the same code for multiple documents within the same transport – If you have multiple invoices or notices for the same trip, they can all be registered under the same ITU code, if the goods leave at the same time and arrive at the same destination. ✅ You can update the transport in the platform if changes occur – If changes occur before the transport departs (quantity, vehicle, route), you can modify the notification and generate a new ITU code. ✅ You can efficiently plan deliveries – The ITU code is valid for 5 days, which allows you a reasonable margin for planning, without having to operate "at the last minute".

❌ You cannot use the same ITU code for different shipments – Each distinct shipment (different routes, dates, vehicles or loads) must be reported separately and needs its own code. ❌ You cannot travel with an expired code – If 5 calendar days have passed since the declared start date of the shipment, the ITU code is no longer valid and must not be used. ❌ You cannot transport other goods than those declared in the ITU code – The system is strictly linked to the reported product categories. If you transport other goods or quantities than those declared on the road, you risk sanctions. ❌ You cannot generate the ITU code after the shipment has departed – The code must be issued before the shipment begins. Subsequent issuance is considered a violation of the law. ❌ You cannot delegate responsibility exclusively to the carrier – The obligation to generate the ITU code lies with the sender, recipient or beneficiary (as the case may be), NOT the carrier. The carrier only needs to have the code in the vehicle.

The UIT code is valid for 5 calendar days, calculated from the declared date of the start of the transport. If, for any reason, the transport is no longer carried out within this interval, the UIT code becomes invalid and a new one must be issued, by re-notifying. It is prohibited to "reuse" expired UIT codes or to retroactively modify the data. ANAF can verify at any time whether the transport was actually carried out during the period covered by the code. Practical example: You generated the UIT code on Monday, with the departure date on Tuesday. The code is valid until Saturday inclusive. If the transport leaves on Sunday, a new code is required.

1. Last-minute code generation – If the ANAF system has problems or completion errors occur, your shipment may be delayed. Plan ahead. 1. Incorrect code transmission to the carrier – Make sure the driver receives the correct code, accompanied by all documents related to the shipment. 1. Lack of records of generated codes – It is recommended to keep an internal archive with all ITU codes issued and used, for possible controls or audits. 1. Incomplete reporting of goods – Inaccurate declarations (e.g. underestimating the quantity or omitting some items) can attract fines and suspicion from the authorities. 2. Failure to update data when changes occur – If the vehicle, driver or unloading location has changed, the ITU code must be updated through a new notification.

If you don't have the time or experience to handle all the formalities related to the ITU code, external solutions are available. One of the fastest and most efficient methods is to collaborate with carriers or shipping companies that are already familiar with the e-Transport system and take care of the entire logistics process, including compliance with legal obligations. Through CLS Transport Exchange, you can quickly find such partners, without creating an account, without paying a subscription and without bureaucracy. You fill out an online form with details about the cargo and immediately receive compliant offers, including from carriers who know exactly how to manage the ITU code. The ITU code is an important control tool, but also a major responsibility for companies that work with goods with high tax risk. Knowing what you are allowed and what you are not allowed to do with this code is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliant transport. Plan ahead, respect the validity period and only collaborate with partners who understand the legal implications of the ITU code. And if you want speed and zero complications, the CLS Transport Exchange remains one of the simplest solutions: no account, no wasted time, with clear offers and responsible carriers.