The DeCA, mandatory from 5 October 2026

On 5 October 2026, the paper Administrative Control Document (DCA) ceases to be valid for public road haulage of goods. From that date, only the electronic administrative control document (DeCA) is admissible, with no grace period.

As we mentioned in our previous article “October 2026, the digitalisation of overland transport begins”, this is an administrative document, not a standard consignment note. Accordingly, a full consignment note (or the “CMR”, as it is usually called in the industry) can serve as the DeCA if it contains all the details required under art. 6 and meets the electronic requirements (art. 2.2 of Order FOM/2861/2012), although the DeCA does not replace the consignment note as evidence of the contract or of the condition of the goods.

This is not a new document, as the DeCA remains governed by Order FOM/2861/2012, with the same minimum content (art. 6) and the same parties bound by it, namely the contracting shipper and the actual carrier (art. 4). It is required for domestic transport and cabotage; international transport continues to be documented with the CMR consignment note (art. 222.1 ROTT). What is new is the medium itself, now governed by the Resolution of 5 June 2026, which replaces that of 22 May 2023.

The DeCA must be a native digital PDF of up to 5 MB, generated before the service begins, so a scanned paper document will not do. It must include a QR code with a unique URL, over HTTPS and providing direct download, with no credentials or intermediate buttons. The repository may be hosted on any domain and no longer requires prior notice to the Ministry.

The driver must carry a copy on their phone or printed out, always bearing the aforementioned QR code. Handwritten annotations would not be accepted, since any change must be made in the electronic file itself. If the DeCA is also used for contractual purposes and is signed, it must be signed at least with an advanced electronic signature (eIDAS Regulation). The file must be kept for at least one year (art. 9 of the Order).

Following Order TRM/282/2026, art. 7 of Order FOM/2861/2012 provides that both parties are liable for failing to draw up the document and for failing to carry it on board, although the shipper is exempted from the latter if it proves that it issued the document. The shipper is liable for the details of the parties, origin, destination, nature and weight of the goods; the carrier, for the special authorisation, the date and the vehicle registration plates.

The DeCA leaves a dated record of who commissioned the transport, who carried it out, what was declared and what changed during the service. In the event of incidents such as theft, loss or breakdown, it helps to identify the actual carrier, as well as to verify the amount that may be claimed, among other things. Since the URL may be deactivated seven calendar days after the service ends, anyone with an interest in an incident (that is, shippers, insurers, loss adjusters or lawyers) is advised to request access to the content as soon as possible.

References:

1. Law 9/2025, of 3 December, on Sustainable Mobility, eighth transitional provision.
2. Order FOM/2861/2012, of 13 December, on the administrative control document for public road haulage of goods (consolidated text).
3. Order TRM/282/2026, of 25 March, second article.
4. Resolution of 5 June 2026, of the Directorate-General for Road and Rail Transport (Official State Gazette (BOE) No. 143, of 12 June 2026).
5. Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, DeCA: frequently asked questions.
6. Royal Decree 1211/1990, of 28 September, Regulations implementing the LOTT (Land Transport Planning Act), art. 222.
7. Regulation (EU) 910/2014, of 23 July 2014 (eIDAS).