What is CMR - The International Consignment Note

The international consignment note, also known as CMR, is one of the most important documents in international road freight transport. This document serves as confirmation of the transport agreement between the sender and the carrier and is essential in international logistics.

What is CMR?

CMR is a document that contains all the necessary information regarding the transport of goods, such as the sender’s, recipient’s, and carrier’s details, a description of the goods, transport conditions, and other essential details. What does CMR mean? The name CMR comes from the French title of the convention that regulates international road transport of goods. The full name of the convention is „Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route.” The convention was adopted in Geneva in 1956 and has been used by many countries worldwide since then.

The CMR document is used on most international routes, and its standard format ensures uniformity and ease of use across various countries.

CMR consignment note – key information

The CMR consignment note contains a range of key information necessary for the execution of international road transport. Among these are:

• Sender and recipient details.
  Carrier’s name and address.
  Description of the goods, their quantity, and weight.
  Loading and unloading points.
  Instructions regarding transport and any relevant notes about the goods.

Who issues the CMR consignment note?

The CMR document is issued by the carrier based on the information provided by the sender. In practice, this means that the sender provides all the necessary data regarding the shipment, and the carrier prepares the CMR document, which accompanies the goods throughout the transport route. The carrier is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of this document, ensuring compliance with regulations and smooth transport. Any errors or discrepancies may lead to delays or complications during customs inspections.

CMR – who issues it and what does the process look like?

The process of issuing the CMR consignment note begins with the sender, who provides the carrier with all the necessary information about the shipment. This information includes a detailed description of the goods, their quantity, weight, type of packaging, as well as the sender’s, recipient’s, and details about the loading and unloading locations. After receiving this data, the carrier proceeds to prepare the CMR document. This document must be precisely completed to reflect all aspects of the transport agreement and conditions of the transport.

Once the document is completed, both the carrier and sender sign it, which formally confirms the conclusion of the transport contract. The CMR consignment note accompanies the shipment throughout the transport period, serving as a crucial transport document that may be required during customs inspections or other inspections. Each party—the sender, carrier, and recipient—keeps a copy of the CMR document, which allows for tracking the shipment and ensures that all parties have access to the necessary information in case of any disputes or logistical problems.

CMR document – importance and application

The CMR document is of key importance in international road transport as it serves as proof of the transport agreement and confirms the receipt of goods by the carrier. Due to its uniform format and standardized rules, the CMR document is easy to read and understand by all parties involved in the transport process.

CMR and customs clearance

Although the CMR document is crucial for the transport process itself, it does not include matters related to customs clearance. Customs clearance accompanying international freight transport is a process regulated by the relevant customs authorities, during which additional documents such as commercial invoices or certificates of origin may be required. In this context, CMR serves as one of the documents facilitating the identification of goods and confirming their transport route.

Although the CMR document is not directly linked to customs clearance, its proper completion and the possession of all required information can significantly facilitate customs procedures. In the event of a customs inspection, the CMR document serves as confirmation of the legality of the transport and the compliance of the goods with the customs declarations.

International consignment note – benefits

Using the CMR international consignment note brings a number of benefits for all parties involved in the transport process. The key benefits include:

• Ease and Uniformity – The standard format of the CMR document makes it easy to read and understand in various countries.

• Legal Security – The CMR document serves as proof of the transport contract and confirmation of the receipt of goods by the carrier.

• Support in Case of Disputes – In case of any misunderstandings or disputes between parties, the CMR document can serve as evidence in court proceedings.

In conclusion, using the CMR document brings benefits to both senders and carriers, ensuring the smooth and regulatory-compliant execution of international freight transport.