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Glossary · Documents

What is eCMR?

The eCMR is the electronic consignment note for the international carriage of goods by road: the digital version of the CMR, with the same legal validity as paper. It is not mandatory, but more and more fleets are adopting it.

From paper CMR to eCMR

The eCMR is the electronic version of the CMR consignment note, the document that proves the contract for the international carriage of goods by road. It is made possible by the Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention concerning the electronic consignment note, signed in Geneva on 20 February 2008, to which Spain has acceded (BOE-A-2011-10283). The eCMR contains the same data as the paper note and has the same legal validity.

How it differs from DeCA

They are different documents for different scopes. The eCMR covers international transport (CMR Convention) and its use is voluntary. DeCA is the electronic control document for domestic transport in Spain and has been mandatory since 5 October 2026. Both digitise the transport documents, but one does not replace the other.

Signature and electronic validity

Signing and identification in the eCMR rely on the European framework for trust services, Regulation (EU) 910/2014 (eIDAS). In addition, Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI) requires EU authorities to accept freight transport information submitted electronically, which is driving the adoption of the eCMR and other digital documents.

Giormo generates the eCMR straight from the order, and the sender, the driver and the consignee sign it on the driver's phone. See the eCMR software.
Information sheet only; this is not legal advice. For the binding text, see the official sources. Want more detail? Read the full guide: The eCMR explained.

Official sources

  • Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention concerning the electronic consignment note (Geneva, 2008) — Spain's instrument of accession, BOE-A-2011-10283. www.boe.es
  • Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 on electronic freight transport information (eFTI). eur-lex.europa.eu
  • Regulation (EU) 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services (eIDAS). eur-lex.europa.eu

Frequently asked questions

Is eCMR mandatory?
No. The eCMR covers international road transport subject to the CMR Convention and its use is voluntary. Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI) requires authorities to accept electronic transport information, but it does not impose the eCMR on companies.
What is the difference between eCMR and DeCA?
The eCMR is the electronic consignment note for international transport (CMR Convention) and is voluntary; DeCA is the electronic control document for domestic transport in Spain, mandatory since 5 October 2026.
Is it as valid as the paper CMR?
Yes. The Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention (Geneva, 2008) gives the electronic consignment note the same legal validity as the paper one.

The consignment note, now electronic

Giormo generates the CMR consignment note and its eCMR version straight from the order, with signature and delivery photos, and the DeCA for haulage within Spain as well. An ERP/TMS for tanker transport, already in production. Tell us how you work.

Complete eCMR guide Legal validity of the eCMR What is CMR? What is DeCA?