Two documents with different purposes
| DeCA | CMR consignment note | |
|---|---|---|
| Which transports | Public road freight within Spain, cabotage included | International road transport between CMR Convention countries |
| Rules | Orden FOM/2861/2012 and the Resolution of 5 June 2026 | 1956 CMR Convention |
| Main purpose | Administrative control: who contracts, who carries and what | Document of the transport contract |
| Format | Electronic PDF with a QR code since 5 October 2026 | Paper or e-CMR |
International transport
International transports that only cross part of Spain don't use the DeCA: they follow the documents of the international conventions Spain has signed, such as the CMR consignment note.
Can a CMR serve as the DeCA on a domestic trip?
Yes, with conditions. The Orden and the 2026 Resolution accept another transport document, such as a consignment note, as the control document if it includes all the data in article 6 of the Orden and clearly tells the contractual shipper from the actual carrier:
- Contractual shipper's name, tax ID and address.
- Actual carrier's name and tax ID.
- Origin and destination.
- Nature and weight of the goods.
- Date and vehicle (and trailer) plates.
- Special traffic permit, if needed.
Note that since 5 October 2026 that document must also meet the electronic DeCA requirements (a native PDF with a QR code and a direct-download https link). A paper CMR isn't enough for a domestic transport. See the electronic DeCA is mandatory.
Other documents that can also serve
The Resolution also names dangerous goods (ADR) documents, waste identification documents and animal by-product (SANDACH) documents, under the same conditions. And if the transport data is handled through the European eFTI platform (Regulation (EU) 2020/1056), it doesn't need to be presented as a DeCA.
The simplest way to comply
For domestic transport, the most practical option is a dedicated DeCA for each shipment. With DeCA by Routyn you issue it for free in under a minute, and it's kept for a year for shipper and carrier.
This summary is for guidance only and is not legal advice. For specific cases, read the BOE text or ask a specialist adviser.
More guides
- What is the DeCA (Spain's administrative control document)The DeCA is the document that goes with every public road freight transport in Spain. Here is what it is, what it contains, who issues it and what changes with the electronic DeCA.
- The electronic DeCA is mandatory from 5 October 2026Since 5 October 2026 the road freight DeCA in Spain has to be electronic. Here is what the Resolution of 5 June 2026 requires of the PDF, the QR code and the link, and what you need to do to comply.
- Transports exempt from the DeCANot every goods transport needs a DeCA. Here are the cases Orden FOM/2861/2012 leaves out, and the ones people often get wrong.