Digitalisation continues to transform the road transport sector. From 5 October 2026, one of the most significant changes in recent years will come into force: the Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) will become mandatory for the public road transport of goods in Spain.

This change means that the paper-based administrative control document will no longer be accepted as the original document, requiring transport companies to manage this documentation electronically and adapt their processes to the new regulations.

At Transportes Fernández Aedo, we explain what the DeCA is, when it comes into force and how it will affect the day-to-day operations of hauliers, transport operators and consignors.

What is the Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA)?

The Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) is the digital version of the administrative control document required for the public carriage of goods by road.

Its purpose remains the same: to provide evidence of the information relating to each transport operation and to facilitate inspections carried out by the competent authorities. The difference is that, from October 2026, this document must be created and managed electronically in accordance with the requirements established by the Spanish Ministry of Transport.

The DeCA is based on:

• Law 9/2025 on Sustainable Mobility.
• Article 222 of the Regulations implementing the Spanish Land Transport Act (ROTT).
• The Resolution of 5 June 2026 issued by the Directorate-General for Road and Rail Transport, which establishes the technical requirements that both software applications and electronic documents must meet.

When will the DeCA become mandatory?

The key date is 5 October 2026.

From that date onwards, the administrative control document required for the public carriage of goods by road must be issued in electronic format.

The Sustainable Mobility Act has already established the transitional period for companies to adapt, meaning that no additional grace period without penalties is planned after this date.

For this reason, companies are advised to implement the necessary technological solutions as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Which transport operations are affected by the Electronic Administrative Control Document?

The DeCA will only be mandatory for:

• Public domestic road freight transport.
• Cabotage operations carried out within Spanish territory.

It does not apply to international transport, which will continue to be governed by the documentation required under the international agreements signed by Spain.

Does the DeCA replace the CMR?

No.

It is important not to confuse these two documents.

The Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) replaces the administrative control document used for domestic freight transport within Spain.

However, international transport operations will continue to use the CMR consignment note, as established by the relevant international conventions.

Will the eCMR become mandatory from 5 October 2026?

No.

Although both measures are related to the digitalisation of transport, they are separate requirements.

The Spanish Ministry of Transport has expressly confirmed that the eCMR (electronic CMR) will not become mandatory when the DeCA comes into force.

The new obligation applies exclusively to the administrative control document used for domestic transport and cabotage operations.

What about own-account transport?

The DeCA is not mandatory for own-account carriage of goods.

In other words, companies whose main activity is not transport, but which transport their own goods using their own vehicles as part of their business operations, are not required to use this document.

However, they must continue to carry documentation proving that:

• The goods belong to the company or form part of its economic activity.
• The vehicles are integrated into the company’s organisation.
• The drivers are employed by the company.

What are the main changes introduced by the Resolution of 5 June 2026?

In addition to regulating the operation of the DeCA, the new Resolution introduces several important developments for the sector.

Prior registration of the domain where DeCAs are stored is no longer required

One of the main simplifications is the removal of the requirement to register in advance the web domain where electronic documents are stored.

This makes it easier for transport companies to implement digital platforms.

Amendments to the document during transport are regulated

The regulations also establish how changes must be made when certain information needs to be updated during the transport operation.

Certain transport services may be grouped together

The Resolution also regulates the possibility of grouping several transport services within the same electronic system, provided the established requirements are met.

Software applications must meet specific technical requirements

Companies subject to the obligation must use software capable of generating the DeCA in accordance with the technical specifications established by the Ministry, ensuring the integrity, availability and traceability of the information.

What must the driver carry during a roadside inspection?

Although the document is electronic, the driver must be able to demonstrate the existence of the DeCA during any roadside inspection.

The regulations establish that:

• The DeCA must be generated before the transport operation begins.
• The document includes a QR code that allows enforcement officers to access the relevant information during the inspection.
• The driver may present the document on an electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet.
• The driver may also carry a printed copy of the DeCA, provided it has been generated from the electronic document in accordance with the regulations.

This system will make inspections quicker and significantly reduce the use of paper documentation.

How does this digitalisation affect transport companies?

The introduction of the DeCA represents another important step in the modernisation of road freight transport.

Its main implications include:

• Updating document management systems.
• Digitalising administrative processes.
• Improving the traceability of transport operations.
• Providing faster access to documentation during inspections.
• Reducing paper usage and improving administrative efficiency.

For companies operating in highly regulated sectors, such as the transport of ADR and non-ADR liquid chemicals by road tanker, implementing secure digital processes that comply with current legislation is particularly important to ensure both legal compliance and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions about the DeCA

What does DeCA stand for?

It stands for Electronic Administrative Control Document, the digital document that will become mandatory for the public carriage of goods by road in Spain from 5 October 2026.

Who is required to use the DeCA?

Companies carrying out public domestic road freight transport and cabotage operations within Spain.

Does the DeCA replace the international CMR?

No. The CMR will continue to be used for international transport operations, and the eCMR remains voluntary.

Will there be a penalty-free period after 5 October 2026?

No. The Sustainable Mobility Act has already established the transitional adaptation period and, once this date is reached, compliance with the new requirement will be fully enforceable.