What is EFTCO?
The organisation known as EFTCO (European Federation of Tank Cleaning Organisations) is the European federation that brings together trade associations specialising in the internal cleaning of road tankers, bulk containers and various types of European tanks.
EFTCO was founded in 1999 with the main objective of organising tank cleaning operations throughout Europe in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Today, EFTCO represents 20 national associations (including ALCI in Italy), covering 24 European countries and overseeing a network of 570 cleaning stations.
Why is it important?
https://www.eftco.org/
EFTCO works closely with stakeholders on safety and environmental issues, providing information and guidance aimed at improving tank cleaning operations from both a regulatory and technical perspective.
Since tank cleaning is a fundamental part of the liquid transport supply chain, EFTCO has developed a document certifying compliance with the above-mentioned requirements. This document, known as the European Cleaning Document (ECD), is now required as an essential condition before loading can take place following tank cleaning.
The process of joining EFTCO involves adopting the SQAS (Safety and Quality Assessment System), which requires the completion of regularly updated questionnaires covering procedures, documentation and safety systems to be implemented during cleaning operations.
The SQAS system was established in 1990 at the initiative of CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council), as part of the Responsible Care programme. Its purpose is to improve safety standards in the transport, storage and handling of particularly hazardous substances, including chemical products.
SQAS is a system for assessing the environmental, safety and quality performance of logistics service providers working with chemical companies. It is not a certification, but rather a system for independently and consistently assessing logistics service providers, ensuring uniform evaluation standards at all levels. Assessments are always carried out by independent, recognised and qualified assessors.
Only cleaning stations that use the SQAS system and are EFTCO members are authorised to issue the ECD (European Cleaning Document). Each ECD is numbered to ensure full traceability. This enables every member of the supply chain to verify each stage of the previous operation.
The ECD may be issued following the cleaning of tanks used to transport hazardous goods under ADR regulations, waste and, more generally, whenever tank cleaning is required.
A specific type of ECD, known as the Food ECD, is issued following the cleaning of food-grade tanks. This document confirms that the cleaning station adopts hygiene procedures and systems compliant with HACCP principles.
On 4 April 2019, EFTCO will celebrate its 25th anniversary by organising a special event in Brussels.
OMZ will sponsor the event and will attend with its own delegation to present its projects, industry solutions and new developments for 2019.
