CMR document or control document: which one each journey needs.
In Spain the DeCA is for domestic transport and cabotage. International transport still uses the CMR document, the CMR consignment note, on paper or as an e-CMR.
Where the CMR document applies and where the DeCA does
| Control document (DeCA) | CMR consignment note | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of transport | Domestic and cabotage | International |
| Must it be electronic? | Yes, since 5 October 2026 | No: the electronic CMR (e-CMR) is not mandatory |
| Signature? | Not needed for its administrative validity | If used as a signed contract, an advanced electronic signature |
When the control document acts as a consignment note
Neither the Order nor the Resolution requires a signature for the control document to be valid. Only if you also use it as a contract, for example as a signed consignment note, would it need an advanced electronic signature.
To sign consignment notes and other documents from your phone, Infonet has InfoSign.
If the lorry is from another country and loads and unloads within Spain, that's cabotage and it carries a DeCA: see the control document in cabotage.
FAQ
Does it apply to international transport?
No. The DeCA is for domestic transport and cabotage. International transport still uses the CMR consignment note. The electronic CMR is not mandatory.
Is an e-signature or digital certificate required?
No. Neither the Order nor the Resolution requires a signature for the document to be valid. Only if you also use it as a contract, for example as a signed consignment note, would it need an advanced electronic signature.
Is it a new document?
No. It's the administrative control document of Orden FOM/2861/2012, the same one that has been mandatory on paper since 2013. What changes is that from 5 October 2026 it must be electronic.
Does it have to be uploaded to a Ministry platform?
No. There is no official app and nothing has to be registered. Each company keeps its documents in its own repository, and at checks they are downloaded from the URL in the QR code.
More about the DeCA
- What the control document isWhat changes from 5 October 2026 and what it must contain
- Control document for vansWhen vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes need it
- No signal at a roadside checkWhat happens if there's no connection when you're stopped
- Own-account transportWhen your own fleet doesn't need a DeCA
- DeCA example in PDFA sample control document, field by field
- Cabotage in SpainThe control document on cabotage operations
- ShippersWhoever hires the transport and is liable for the DeCA
- Integration with your softwareArigest, Agrocom, GAP, Gesthorm and API
- PricePay per document or flat rate
It's already mandatory. Try DeCA free for a month.
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