Explanation and Guidance: Rules for Issuing the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD)
The EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD) is a standardised European cleaning document created to support the supply chain.
It was developed by EFTCO in cooperation with:
ECTA (European Chemical Transport Association)
CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council)
The ECD helps ensure that cleaning is properly recorded, understood, and trusted across different countries and languages.
Why the ECD Is So Important
The ECD is widely accepted because it provides clear proof that tank cleaning has been completed correctly.
It offers major benefits for all parties:
The format is standard, making it easy to recognise
It helps prevent falsification and fraudulent documents
The information is always in the same place
Drivers and loading points can quickly understand the cleaning carried out
It uses EFTCO cleaning codes, translated into multiple languages
This makes the ECD one of the most trusted documents in European tanker logistics.
Copyright and Permission to Use the ECD
EFTCO owns the exclusive copyright of the EFTCO Cleaning Document. It is registered under European trademark number 016236614.
National cleaning associations (such as NRTCA), who are members of EFTCO, are authorised to grant permission for cleaning stations to use the ECD — but only if the station follows all EFTCO rules and requirements.
If a station misuses the ECD, the national association has the right to suspend or remove their permission to issue the document.
The EFTCO Definition of Clean
EFTCO defines a tank as clean when:
“There are no visible traces or odour of the last product or cleaning agent following an inspection from the man-lids.”
This is the official definition used throughout Europe.
A standard tank clean means cleaning the tank from the last declared product. If additional cleaning is required to prepare for the next cargo, this must be agreed separately.
Can an ECD Be Issued Without Cleaning?
No. An ECD cannot be issued for inspection only.
If a station issues an ECD with only the inspection code T01, this is considered invalid unless the tank was cleaned at that same site.
ECDs containing only T01 are not allowed and are treated as INVALID.
Re-Inspection and the Use of Code T01
If a driver collects a tank and there is doubt about whether it still meets the EFTCO definition of clean, the tank may be re-inspected.
If it passes inspection:
Code T01, along with date and time, should be recorded in box 10 or 11.
If the ECD has already been printed and cannot be changed, the cleaning station may apply a stamp including:
T01
Date
Time
Signature
However, the stamp format must be approved by the national association on behalf of EFTCO.
What Happens If the Tank Fails Re-Inspection?
If the re-inspection shows additional actions are needed, those actions must be recorded in box 10.
If the original ECD has already been printed, a new ECD must be issued. The original document must be marked invalid and must not be handed to the customer.
This ensures full traceability and prevents misuse.